Akron Clinches Fifth Straight Mid-American Conference Championship
Akron University claimed victory at the Mid-American Conference Championships last weekend. Finishing with 771 points, the Zips were more than 200 points ahead of their closest competition, which was Ohio. Ball State, Miami, and Buffalo finished in third, fourth and fifth, respectively. Akron’s victory marks the program’s fifth consecutive conference title and 12th in 13 years.
Wednesday
Akron took an early lead on Day One, with Felicia Klintemar, Claire Cox, Callie Parkes and Ada Szwabinska grabbing the win in the 200 medley relay in 1:36.22, as well as breaking the MAC, meet, and pool record. The team then came back for round two, taking another win in the 800 free relay at 7:12.46, with swimmers Helena Lalkovic, Brienne Trumpeter, Elle Couture and Hannah Trainer.
Thursday
Akron maintained its lead through Day Two. Klintemar secured first in the 200 IM in 1:57.52, while Helena Lalkovic took gold in the 500 free in 4:47.76. Ball State’s Payton Kelly broke the MAC 50 free record in 21.88 and punched her ticket to NCAAs.
Akron wrapped up the session with a 400 medley relay victory in 3:32.40, featuring Klintemar, Cox, Parkes, and Szwabinska. Ohio earned second in the event with Mel Schweikert, Casadie DiBetta, Jordan Claypoole, and Zita Szoke.
Friday
Day Three brought more records and standout performances. Akron’s 200 free relay team, including Parkes, Szwabinska, Klintemar, and Trainer, took two-tenths off the MAC record, touching in at 1:28.35.
Klintemar won the 100 fly in 51.35, while Zita Szoke from Ohio captured the 200 free in 1:44.82. Claire Cox took the 100 breast in 59.59, and Ball State’s Kelly won the 100 back in 52.07. Freshman performances also stood out, including Miami’s Gracie Gregory winning the 400 IM in 4:16.83.
Saturday
Akron continued its dominance on Saturday to close out the meet with a win. Szoke added a 100 free title in 47.59, while Casadie DiBetta swept the breaststroke events with a 200 breast win in 2:09.33. Klintemar and Ball State’s Alexa Von Holtz tied in the 200 fly at 1:58.75. Miami’s Gregory took another win in the 1650 free in 16:39.00.
Akron finished out the meet with a 400 free relay victory with Lalkovic, Szwabinska, Parkes, and Klintemar finishing in 3:14.92, effectively sweeping all five relays.
Final Team Standings
- Akron – 711
- Ohio – 559
- Ball State – 500
- Miami – 492
- Buffalo – 446
- Eastern Michigan – 263
- Massachusetts – 195
- Toledo – 174
- Bowling Green – 159