The waiting is over for the Wittenberg men's and women's swimming and diving teams - and the news was good for two individuals. Senior Steve Rader (Concord, Ohio/St. Ignatius) and sophomore Becca Searcy (Shelbyville, Ky./Shelby County) have both earned the opportunity to compete in the NCAA Division III Championships. The women's competition is scheduled for March 11-13 and the men are slated to race March 18-20, both at Principia College (Mo.).

Five Wittenberg swimmers posted qualifying times during the season. But only Rader and Searcy finished among the top 20 in an individual event, guaranteeing them the opportunit to swim in at least three events at the national meet.

Already a three-time All-American, Rader is pointing toward one final meet. He is among the nation's best in several events, and he will be trying to improve upon fourth place, his best finish ever in a national meet achieved three times in his career.

Searcy posted several qualifying times in distance freestyle and individual medley events. She was an Honorable Mention All-America a year ago, and her times in 2003-04 have been even better.

Just missing out were senior Alex Berger (Findlay, Ohio/Findlay) from the men's team and sophomore Betany Yeakley (Wilmington, Ohio/Wilmington) and freshman Jenny Mulligan (Cheyney, Pa./Delaware Valley Friends) from the women's team.

Next: 3/11-13 NCAA Division III Championships (Women)
3/18-20 NCAA Division III Championships (Men)
Hosted by Principia College in St. Louis, Mo.