Williamstown, Mass. -- In today's tri meet between Williams College, Tufts University, and Wesleyan University, it would be the host Ephs who came away the overall victors, defeating the Jumbos by a score of 175-123, and the Cardinals by a score of 228-59 respectively. Head to head Tufts defeated Wesleyan 224-63.
The Ephs set the tone in the meet early, taking first in the 200 yd Medley Relay with a time of 1:36.35, the second fastest time in the conference so far this year. Tufts, showing their depth, took second, third, and fourth places in the event.
The Ephs followed this up with a sweep of the 200 yard freestyle, with sophomore Paul Dyrkacz leading the way with a time of 1:44.08. Dyrkacz, already named as the NESCAC swimmer of the week twice this year, is steadily putting together an impressive season. He was joined in the sweep by classmate Phil Treesh, and Williams first year Sean Sutherland. Dyrkacz would also lead a Williams sweep in the 400 yd IM, finishing with a top time of 4:07.41, over 8 seconds ahead of runner up and teammate Christopher Corbett, and 10 seconds ahead of third placed David Taylor of Williams. Dyrkacz similarly took first place in the 200 yd Backstroke, with a time of 1:56.39, the fourth fastest time in the conference this season, in only his first crack at the race.
A thrilling race in the 50 yd freestyle saw an astounding 4 separate swimmers tie another participant. Williams senior Ben Wampler won the event in 21.19, while sophomore Graham Righi of Williams tied with Gordy Jenkins of Tufts for second place. Both finished with a time of 22.18. First year Martin Soderstrom of Williams then tied Dave Meyer of Tufts for fourth place, with both swimmers finishing in a time of 22.35.
Tufts first year Johann Schmidt ran away with both diving events, taking first place in both the 1m and 3m events. His score of 301.70 on the 3m was nearly 25 points higher then his previous season best, and good for second highest score in the NESCAC. Williams junior Alex Long finished as the runner up in both diving events.
Tufts was also able to claim a consolation victory in the 400 yd relay, as the Williams team of D'Ignazio, Wampler, Vieth, and Roberson was disqualified after being called back for a false start. Despite the Williams foursome finishing the restarted race in a time of 3:09.18, it was the Jumbo team of Jenkins, Altman, Meyer and Rood that were awarded the first place points for their time of 3:12.50.
With the two wins Williams moves to 4-3 (3-1 in NESCAC) for the year. The loss to Williams is Tufts' first of the year, as they go to 4-1 (4-1 in NESCAC). Wesleyan fall to 2-3 (2-3 in NESCAC) on the year. Williams will next gear up to host Springfield College in a non conference dual meet on January 22nd.
