Swimming Finishes Second At ASC Championships
Brenau University Swimming came on strong in day two of the Appalachian Swimming Championships, but ultimately fell short of NCAA Division II Wheeling Jesuit University by 43 points to finish in second place. The Golden Tigers completed the weekend with an overall outstanding performance, recording a total of six conference records, 14 first place finishes and two individual honors.
In Saturday's morning session, Brenau recorded a new conference and team record in the 200 Medley in a time of 1:47.41. Freshman Courtney Hayward touched the wall in first at the 400 Individual Medley in 4:36.23, while Michelle Billeaud finished in second place in the 100 Butterfly in 58.75.
Shelby Rumker placed third in the 200 Freestyle in 1:58.20, while Kathleen Rossi finished in twelfth pace in 2:04.49. Sophomore Mary Katherine Jabbia captured another win, taking the 100 Breaststroke in 1:06.62, while teammate Sophie Nasstrom finished in sixth place with at time of 1:10.05. Talia Sola dominated the 100 Backstroke, recording a first place finish and a new conference record with a blistering time of 55.88.
Brenau then continued their domination of the relay events, taking first place in the 800 Freestyle in 7:54.19.
Hayward continued her strong day placing first in the 1650 Freestyle and recording a new conference record with 17:09.54, while Rossi finished strong in fifth place in 18:39.11. Sola added to the solid team showing, capturing a team and conference record in the 200 Backstroke in 2:02.04.
Junior Shelby Rumker finished in fourth place in the 100 Freestyle with a personal best time of 53.69, while Jabbia and Nasstrom placed second and seventh in the Breaststroke with 2:27.33 and 2:34.50 respectively. Billeaud notched another team win in the 200 Butterfly, blazing past her competition to finish first in 2:12.83.
The Golden Tigers completed their strong run of the ASC Champs, winning the 400 Free Relay in a time of 4:35.40.
Freshman Courtney Hayward topped off the weekend by being named ASC Swimmer of the Year, while head coach Blaire Bachman was awarded with her third straight ASC Coach of the Year award.
"I am proud beyond words of the spirit and determination this team showed throughout the meet," said head coach Blaire Bachman. "With only nine women, we knew this was going to be a challenge and it's been a team goal since day one to achieve a top two spot at conference. We were faced with weather delays and obstacles that kept us from competing on a regular schedule, but the Golden Tigers rose to the challenge and did a phenomenal job in every event. I cannot wait to see what is in store for us at NAIA Nationals in Oklahoma."
The Golden Tigers continue their outstanding season at the NAIA National Championships in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma on March 5th.