Summit League Championships: Day Three

INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana, February 20. SOPHOMORE Anders Jensen and senior Agnes Solan were named Swimmers of the Meet as the Oakland University men’s and women’s swimming and diving teams won The Summit League Championship. It was the 11th straight title for both teams.

On the men’s side, Oakland scored 894.50 points to win its 11th straight Summit title and 32nd straight overall conference title. Centenary College edged out Eastern Illinois by five points (576-571) for third place. Finishing the scoring was South Dakota State (4th – 402.5), South Dakota (5th – 325), Western Illinois (6th – 282) and IUPUI (7th – 196).

On the women’s side, Oakland tallied 990 points to win its 11th straight Summit title and 19th overall conference title in 20 attempts. South Dakota State scored 543 points for second place while South Dakota State was third with 443 points. Finishing the scoring was Centenary College (4th – 433), Eastern Illinois (5th – 365), Western Illinois (6th – 341) and IUPUI (7th – 244).

Jensen won the 100 and 200-yard backstroke events (48.20, 1:45.11, respectively) and the 200 butterfly (1:48.56), all for the second year in a row. His times in both back events hit the NCAA “B” Standard. Jensen also swam on the championship 200 and 400 medley and 800 freestyle relays.

Solan won the 100 and 200 back events (53.99, 2:00.72, respectively) and the 200 individual medley (2:00.41). She hit the NCAA “B” Cut in the 100 back and 200 IM and broke the meet and school record in the 100 back. Solan also swam on the championship 400 medley relay (3:45.12, meet record), 200 medley relay (1:42.53, school and meet record, NCAA “B” Cut) and the 400 and 800 free relays.

Solan swam 1:47.92 in the 800 free relay to set a school and league record and hit the NCAA “B” Cut. Her three individual wins gives her nine in her career, tied with Tara Berringer (Oakland) for the most in league history.

Divers of the Meet went to junior Chelsea Oates and senior Adam Ralph, freshmen Sandra Czerska and JulieAnne Stears were named Co-Female Newcomer of the Meet and Pete Hovland was named Women’s Coach of the Meet for the fifth time.

“We’re just floating on a cloud right now,” said coach Hovland. “We’re really tired right now but pleased. Our entire coaching staff has done a great job all season. Larry Albright has done a fantastic job with our divers and really got them to perform to the best of their abilities. With the men’s basketball team winning the league title, it’s a great night to be a Golden Grizzly.”

For the men, sophomore Tim Montague won the 1650 freestyle (15:41.52) and sophomore Scott Yarbrough won the 200 breaststroke (2:03.39). Both swimmers successfully defended the titles they won a year ago. Senior Adam Ralph won the 3-meter springboard (300.75 points) to complete his sweep of the diving events.

Senior Mike Templeton swam 1:46.32 to place second in the 200 back. It was the third fastest time in OU history and was an NCAA “B” Cut. Freshman Alex Aceino swam the sixth fastest time in school history in the 200 fly at 1:49.56 which placed him second.

Second place finishes also came from sophomore Joe Rodgers in the 200 breast (2:03.41) and the 400 freestyle relay team of Templeton, sophomore Ben Vavra, senior Pat Downing and Jensen (3:03.12).

“This was not a typical performance for us,” said coach Hovland. “We got caught on our heels with the disqualification on Thursday. Over the last two days, we stepped up and caught our stride. Everyone made contributions to us winning the title.”

For the women, Czerska won the 200 fly with a time of 1:59.55. That was the second fastest time in OU history and was an NCAA “B” Cut. Oates scored a meet record 289.20 points to win the 1-meter springboard for the second time in her career. Stears swam the sixth fastest time in OU history at 17:09.41 in winning the 1650 free.

Also recording victories were Solan in the 200 back, sophomore Alyssa Vela in the 100 free and the 400 free relay team of Solan, senior Sarah Ludema, sophomore Johanna Gustafsson and Vela (3:25.24).

Second place finishes came from freshman Alyssa Busch in the 200 back (2:03.41, 6th fastest in OU history) and Gustafsson in the 200 breast (2:19.97, 5th fastest in OU history). Finishing third was sophomore Nicole Salmeto in the 200 fly (2:06.19) and junior Emily Wike in the 200 breast (2:20.66). Both times rank among the top 10 career in school history.”

“The women closed the dual meet season very strong and were on a mission,” said coach Hovland. “It was a typical performance for us. Agnes Solan is a superstar and having her just pushes everyone else on the team. We definitely will miss her. As with the men, everyone stepped us for us and contributed.”

The above article is a press release submitted to Swimming World Magazine. It has been posted in its entirety without editing. Swimming World offers all outlets the chance to reach our audience by contacting us at Newsmaster@swimmingworldmagazine.com. However, Swimming World reserves the right to choose what material is posted.

Name*

Email*

Welcome to our community. We invite you to join our discussion. Our community guidelines are simple: be respectful and constructive, keep on topic, and support your fellow commenters. Commenting signifies that you agree to our Terms of Use