Men Capture a win over Illinois College, but Fall to Lindenwood Lions
2/6/2010 11:32:27 PM
Elsah, IL- In their last home meet of the season, the men had one last chance to swim well before they swim at Liberal Arts in two weeks. The Panthers were unable to take on the depth of Lindenwood's roster, but fought the best they could to try and out touch them to the walls.
Sophomore Zach Harmon, senior captain Bob Cleveland, sophomore Josh Curry, and freshman Chip Jackson started the meet with a strong third place finish in the 200 medley relay (1:55.71). Jackson jumped right in immediately following, and swam a great 1000 freestyle dropping 32 seconds (11:48.47). Freshman Andy Furbush and junior Colin Clark went 3-4 in the 200 freestyle both finishing in 1:54. Junior Will Crowley continued his speed streak taking second in the 100 freestyle in 50.04 and Clark, a fourth place finish in 51.08. Furbush swam a new event, the 100 backstroke, taking second with 59.72. Freshman Tyler Loechner finished third in the 500 free (5:19.99) with Jackson taking fourth(5:44.49).
Changing things up a bit,swimmers Loechner and Crowley both dove. Loechner on the 1-meter, taking 3rd, and Crowley on the 3-meter also taking third behind junior Rigel Valentine in second. Junior Nick Trapp took second on the 1-meter boards.
The men ended the meet with a strong 20 free relay putting themselves in the tenth position on the top ten and a 2nd place finish (1:31.57). Furbush and Crowley both swam sub 23 seconds, their fastest all season, a race foreshadowing the speed to come in two weeks.
Principia hosts the Liberal Arts Championships, Thursday through Saturday, February 18-20. Nine other schools along side Principia will compete over three days of prelims and finals. The Panthers have two weeks to rest, get focused, and bring the speed they've worked up to all season. Prelims start at 10am and finals at 6pm. Come support the most anticipated meet of the season!
