MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – The Gustavus swimming and diving teams competed in the first night of the MIAC Swimming and Diving Championships. After the first five events the Gustie women are in third place with 64 points while St. Catherine is leading with 80 points. The Gustavus men’s team is in second place (115) and three points behind Saint John’s.
“Overall pleased with getting off to a good start,” said Head Coach Jon Carlson. “The men’s team did a great job in the relays, and we’re looking forward to tomorrow. Saint John’s swam well and dove amazing and it’ll be a great battle all four days. The women swam well, got some good first swims out of the way and they’re only going to get better as the meet goes on.”
The Gustie men led off, with the team of Dane Hudson, Kieran Ripken, Peyton Richardson, and Andrew Becker winning the 200 Medley Relay with a finals time of 1:31.52. Additionally, the time sets a new school record.
The Gustie women placed third in the event with a time of 1:46.64 from the team of Mikayla Witte, Leah Soukup, Ellen Hofstede, and Lucy Peterson.
Richardson, alongside Eamonn McCullough, Erik Small, and Matt Strom touched the wall at 6:48.17 to claim the top spot in the 800 Free Relay. On the women’s side, Witte, Alison Gilles, Annika Johns, and Marit Isaacson finished in third (7.47.94) in the event.
On the diving board, sophomore Andrew Jensen was the top finisher for the Black and Gold 417.65 on the 1 meter to place fifth.
The teams will compete in the second session on Thursday with prelims beginning at 10:30 a.m..