SAINT PETER, Minn. – The Gustavus men’s and women’s swimming & diving teams begin their 2022-23 seasons Saturday at home as they host UW-Stevens Point and MSU-Mankato. The Gustie men, winners of the past three MIAC championships, are looking to maintain their stronghold at the top of the conference, while the Gustie women are hoping to make the jump from second to first in the league.
“The guys know the rest of the conference has gotten much better and they’re responding the correct way,” Head Coach Jon Carlson said. “They’re working hard and practice sessions have been amazing. The effort level has been outstanding. Not only are they taking the rest of the conference seriously, but some people have big goals nationally as well. They know they are competing against five classes with a bunch of fifth-years, which was the case last year, and we expect it to be the same again this year. Nationals has never been tougher to get in to so they know they have to work extra hard to get there.”
The Gustie men return a wealth of All-Conference selections from last season, including seven individuals who claimed 11 MIAC championships, highlighted by MIAC Swimmer of the Year Matt Strom (Jr., Rochester) and national competitor Andrew Becker (Sr., Northfield). Strom won the 200 free, 500 free, 1650 free, and 800 free relay at last year’s MIAC Championships, while Becker won the 50 free, 100 free, 200 medley relay, 400 medley relay, 200 free relay, and 400 free relay. Other event champions returning, individual and relay, include Nyden Hill (So., Conway, Ark.), Dane Hudson (Sr., Eden Prairie), Jonathan Cordano (So., St. Paul), Erik Small (Sr., Hudson, Wis.), Peyton Richardson (Jr., Crystal Lake, Ill.), and Kieran Ripken (Jr., Blaine).
“We have a great group of seniors and a variety of personalties,” Carlson said. “They each bring their own element. Some lead by example, some lead by excitement. I think they’ve done a great job to give us a great first month and a half of practices. I know they are excited to start racing.”
The Gustie women, who finished second at last year’s MIAC Championships, return nine All-Conference selections, highlighted by MIAC champions Ellen Hofstede (Sr., St. Paul) and Marit Isaacson (So., St. Paul). Hofstede won the 100 free and 100 butterfly, while Isaacson win the 100 back. NCAA competitors from a year ago returning this year include Hofstede, who earned All-America (fifth) in the 100 free, Isaacson, Lucy Peterson (Jr., St. Paul), and Abigail Yartz (Sr., Bemidji).
“Their number one goal is to try and win the conference,” Carlson said. “Again, the depth of conference has gotten much better. St. Kate’s will be very strong again but it’s a challenge they are training to take on. They are working very hard to make sure everyone is at their best by the end of the season.”
Carlson is also excited about the group of first-years who will add depth to an already experienced team.
“We have a few gems in the group that are going to really blossom in a collegiate setting and we’ve already seen it in practice. We’re excited to see what it looks like in the meets.”