Simon Fraser Sweeps Longtime Rivals Seattle University

SEATTLE, Wash, October 18. EVER since Seattle University developed a swim program seven years ago, the Redhawks have enjoyed a strong rivalry against NAIA powerhouse Simon Fraser University.

Seattle fueled that fire by ending SFU’s three-year reign and winning the men’s 2002 national championship. Although Seattle left the NAIA for NCAA Division II the following year, these teams still meet up twice a year to keep the rivalry alive.

The Redhawks were swept by the Clan in their season opener Friday night at the Connolly Center East Pool. An early disqualification haunted the men in a 109-95 loss, while the women fell up short 115-84.

Erin Matthew (Fr., Bremerton, Wash./Central Kitsap HS) had an amazing meet in her collegiate debut. She was involved in every record set by the Redhawks, establishing two individual records and was a member of a record-setting relay.

In the opening event, the women’s 200-yard medley relay, Matthew swam the second leg of SU’s team that set a new team record in a time of 1:50.89. Matthew then set a new team and pool record in the 200-yard individual medley, winning the event in a time of 2:12.42. She later established a team record in the 100-yard breaststroke, finishing in 1:07.45, taking second place in the event.

Marion Gallagher (Jr., Everett, Wash./Cascade HS) was the only other SU women’s swimmer to win an event. She took first in the 200-yard freestyle with a time of 1:57.45.

In the men’s opening event, the Redhawks suffered a blow when their top team in the 200-yard medley relay was disqualified. Simon Fraser took the top two positions and captured a 15-2 lead from the outset.
The Redhawks fought back valiantly and pulled even at 65-65 with just four events left. However, the Clan finished 1-3-4 in the 100-yard backstroke to pull ahead by nine points, and captured first in the next two events to go up 103-84. The Redhawks won an intense battle in the meet’s final event, the 200-yard free relay, but Simon Fraser had secured victory by then.

Seattle won four individual events in the men’s competition. Jesse Shelton (So., Longview, Wash./Mark Morris HS) highlighted the evening with a new pool record in the 100-yard free, winning the event with a time of 47.04.

Dwight Thompson (Fr., Lake Forest Park, Wash./Shorecrest HS) took the title in the 1650-yard free in a time of 16:50.6. Zach Foster (Fr., Seattle/Garfield HS) was victorious in the 200-yard individual medley in a time of 1:58.61. Rui Ewald (Jr., Sanots, Brazil/Colegio Objectivo, Foothill College) won the 100-yard butterfly with a time of 52.34.

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