SAINT PETER, Minn. – The Gustavus men’s and women’s swimming & diving teams are set to begin their 2021-22 season Saturday at home as they host Morningside starting at noon. The teams begin their first full season since 2019-20 as they competed in a shortened 2021 February/March season.
“I think the biggest gift that COVID gave us is an appreciation of a chance to race and to compete against other teams and to just have some sort of normalcy,” said Head Coach Jon Carlson who is in his 32nd season at the helm of both programs. “And I think it has really brought out the best in the whole team as far as training, and I know it will when we start to race.”
The Gustie men enter the 2021-22 season as defending MIAC champions in 2020, having won the conference meet the last two years, while the women are coming off a third place finish. Unfortunately that’s where the 2020 campaigns ended as the NCAA Championships were cancelled due to the pandemic. Both squads worked on their craft and technique in the condensed 2021 spring season, breaking an impressive amount of pool records in the process, and closing out the chapter against a St. Thomas rivalry.
The Gustie women broke twelve pool records while Ellen Hofstede (Jr., Hopkins) broke the school record in the 100 free, and the Gustie men broke 17 pool records and two relay school records. The team will look to a senior class of 11 women and 10 men to set the tone.
“I think one of the things is that’s going to be important is our senior leadership and both on the men’s and women’s side. So far this first month, our seniors have really stepped up.”
Gustavus will compete in three meets scheduled against MIAC opponents this season with a pair of intrasquad meets as well.
“This season we’re looking forward to just getting a chance to have a full season and having our swimmers and divers get an opportunity to get a real taper and really see how fast they can go by the end of the year.”
The Gusties open their season at home Saturday against Morningside where fans can watch in person or on livestream beginning at noon.
2021 Women’s Swimming and Diving Schedule
2021 Women’s Swimming and Diving Roster