Tigers Cap Off A Strong Fall Season At The DePauw Invitational

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Steve Rader

The Tiger men's and women's swimming and diving teams capped off a strong first half of the 2002-03 season at the DePauw Invitational on Dec. 6-7, finishing fourth among the men and third in the women's competitions. The meet featured several top NCAA Division III teams, including the host teams and Washington University.

Turning in the strongest finish for either the men's or women's team was freshman Becca Searcy (Shelbyville, Ky./Shelby County Bloomington), who finished second in the 400 Individual Medley. Her time actually broke the meet record prior to her race.

Also swimming particularly well for the women were Sarah Schick (Bloomington, Ind./North) in the 100 butterfly, junior Nicole Kinzeler (Centerville, Ohio/Alter) in the 100 freestyle, freshman Leslie Banas (Huntington Woods, Mich./Mercy) in the 1650 free and freshman Amy Conner (Noblesville, Ind./Noblesville).

Leading the charge on the men's side, as always, was junior Steve Rader (Concord, Ohio/St. Ignatius), who turned in high finishes in a pair of butterfly events. Freshman Dan McGuire (Elyria, Ohio/Elyria) had some of his best times in the 50 and 100 free events, sophomore Jonathan Newcomer (Valencia, Pa./Mars Area) was strong in the 100 and 200 backstroke and also had one of his best splits in the 400 free relay, junior Brandon Morris (Centerville, Ohio/Centerville) chipped in with solid times in the distance events, and junior captain Kyle Dunaway (Warren, Ohio/Howland) swam well in his events, including the 400 IM.

The swimmers will finish exams, enjoy the holidays and then hit the pools in Florida as part of their annual training trip before returning to competition in Ohio. The next meet is opposite national power Denison on Jan. 18.

Next: 1/18 vs. Denison, 1 p.m.