OBERLIN, Ohio - At the halfway point to the 2000-2001 season, the men's and women's swimming teams added another feather to their cap by defeating North Coast Athletic Conference opponent Oberlin College. Both teams now stand at 6-1 for the season.
It was a weekend of competition in which the Tiger coaching staff saw much improvement. The Yeomen and Yeowomen proved to be tough competition, but the Tigers rose to the challenge with top three finishes in many events.
Rachel Juergens' efforts in the 1650-yard freestyle led to an NCAA National B-standard cut time. This time gives Juergens consideration to attend the NCAA National Championship meet in March.
Courtney Galliger took two first place finishes against the Yeowomen. She took blue ribbons in both the 50 and 100 freestyle events. Paula Hauser took first in the 100 breaststroke and Nicole Kinzler touched ahead of her opponents in the 200 freestyle.
Melissa Beck took fist place in the 200 butterfly, and Melanie Edsall took first in the 200 backstroke. Edsall also took second place in the 200 freestyle.
Elizabeth Bradley turned in a pair of second place finishes in the 500 and 1650 freestyle. Bradley's finish in the 1650 freestyle was a season best time. Courtney Paul also took a second place finish in the 50 freestyle, while Betsy Godin finished second in the 200 butterfly.
Swimming on the first place 400 medley relay were Hauser, Edsall, Galliger and Godin. Teaming up to take first in the 400 freestyle were Beck, Juergens, Godin and Galliger.
Swimming in the top scoring position for the men were Aaron Edsall, Josh Schnacke, and Steve Rader. Each were double-winners. Edsall took a pair of first place finishes in the 200 freestyle and 200 backstroke. Josh Schnacke turned in his pair in the 50 and 100 freestyle, while Rader scored first place points in the 200 IM and the 500 freestyle.
In the 200 breaststroke Jeremy Lazarus and Alex Berger took first and second place respectively. Brandon Morris turned in a first place finish in the 1650 freestyle.
Tying for second place with Oberlin was sophomore Jon Bradley in the 500 freestyle. Jason Hill turned in a second place finish in the 1650 freestyle. And Bob Rafferty also turned in a pair of second place finishes in the 50 and 100 freestyle events.
Diving for the men were Jay Cross, Nate Henderson and Brian Fischer. Cross took second place in the 3-meter competition and third in the 1-meter competition.
This weekend marked the end of the Tigers' dual meet schedule for the fall semester. They will have to wait until January for another conference match up. "This weekend marked a great finish to our first half of the regular schedule," said Joe Dyer. "We are all looking forward to having next weekend off and then heading to the Akron Invitational after Thanksgiving."
The Tigers head to Akron University the weekend of November 30th to compete in a large invitational meet. The opposition includes NCAC rival College of Wooster along with Ohio Athletic Conference members Mount Union, Baldwin Wallace, and John Carroll. NCAA Division II member schools Westminster University and Ashland University will also be competing.
"Akron will be a great meet for us," said Scott Olmsted. "It will be exciting to have next weekend off and go into Akron well rested. We should all see some time improvements which will be very exciting."