Sports
By Rory McNelley, Education and Enrichment Coordinator
Xavier’s swim team concluded their season in February at the Big East Championship in Ocala, Fl. in mid-February.
After a long season, both the women’s and men’s teams placed fourth in the championship with 1,003.5 and 582.5 points respectively.
Twelve Musketeers were honored among the 86 swimming and diving student-athletes who were named to the All-Big East team on Friday after the championship in Ocala. The All-Big East squad is composed of Big East competitors who finished in the top three in any individual or relay event at the championships. Five women and seven men from Xavier’s squad made the team.
“This season was so much fun. The whole team worked so hard throughout the season, and it all paid off at Big East,” first year and All-Big East team member Emma Tenhundfeld said. “I am so thankful to be surrounded by a team and coaches who support me and make it easy to perform at my best.”
Day one of the championship brought both teams a third and fourth place finish in the 200-medley relay and 800 free relay respectively. The men’s teams finished in third overall and the women’s in fourth.
Xavier swim capped off a fantastic season last week at the Big East Championship
On day two, Olivia Oyster took home a silver medal for her performance in the 50 freestyle, Ella Maxfield and Parker Mandacina placed 12th in the 500 free and 200 IM respectively. For the men, Connor Lathrip placed second in the 500 free, Aiden Leamer placed fifth in the 200 Individual Medley (IM) and Sean McGinley placed second in the 50 free. At the end of day two the men’s team was in third and the women in fourth.
Day three brought the team’s first gold medal of the championship with the 400 medley relay team’s winning time of 3:39.09. On day four, Adam Leamer won the 200 butterfly for the third year in a row with a time of 1:44.94.
“The season went really well, especially the Big East. We have put in so much effort throughout the season and seeing it all come together at Big East was really fun to watch and be part of,” first year Mandacina said. “Being only a first year, I’m excited for what my next three years have in store, and I’m lucky I get to experience it with this team.”
