SPRINGFIELD, Ohio—Wittenberg swimming and diving sent their seniors off in style on Friday night against Anderson University. While the Tigers thanked their senior class for their contributions over the last four years prior to the meet, the real action took place in the pool, as both the men's and women's programs earned victories by lofty margins.
The men defeated Anderson 132-47, while the women came out on top 133-39. Wittenberg claimed first place finishes in 25 of the 26 events on Friday night. "We competed well this evening. Our times indicate where we are in our training and show we are a bit tired but overall I was pleased with our energy for competing tonight. As a team, we are ready to start our rest and taper for the Conference Championship," said Coach Bernhardt.
On the women's side, the Tiger's final home meet was highlighted by the 400-yard medley relay team of Morgan Seifert, Annelise Gibson, Samantha Petruzzi and Lauren Ruddy. Finishing over 20 seconds ahead of the competition, the Tigers won the finals heat easily with a finals-race of 4:23.37.
The men's 400-yard medley relay team also found great success in the finals, as Connor Flanagan, Kyle Smith, Trey Gregory and Bradley Barren also came in first place. Finishing ten seconds ahead of the competition, the Tigers finished with a finals-time of 3:46.97.
"I am so proud of our Senior class--They have been through a lot over their four years and I am so happy they chose to make this team better by their commitment and dedication to the team," Coach Bernhardt continued.
"Katie, Joe, Lucas, Kelsey, Lauren, Sami, and Kyle have all played a tremendous roll in the leadership and direction of our team. Thank you, seniors, and their parents for all they have done to help our program become stronger."
The senior class was highlighted by individual victories from Lucas George in the 200-yard breaststroke (2:20.31) and Petruzzi in the 200-yard butterfly (2:14.05). Lauren Ruddy also claimed a first-place finish in the 200-yard freestyle (2:07.11).
Wittenberg now turns their attention to Hiram, as both programs will compete against the Terriers on Saturday, January 27.