SEATTLE — After more than 300 days since its last team meet, Seattle U men's swimming were able to shake off the rust on Saturday as it opened season and 2021 calendar with a sound win 152-110 win over Whitworth.
"I'm happy with result, but even more pleased with the mindset and attitude the team came in with today," said Redhawks head coach Craig Nisgor. "We didn't have come in with much in terms of expectations but the guys did what they need to do and had some really nice swims as a result."
The Redhawks won nine of 14 events, including a podium sweep in the 100-yard backstroke. Sophomore Will Corona paced the field with a time of 55.44. Junior Kyle Bailey touched in at second (57.86), while George Thiss (58.57) followed him for third.
Senior Isaac Parker and junior Tyler Goodspeed went 1-2 in the 50 freestyle. Parker came in at 21.70, while Goodspeed checked in at 21.87. The Redhawks were one-hundredth of second for their second sweep of the after as freshman Noa Copp (22.46) took fourth.
Seattle U book ended the day with a pair first-place finishes in the relays. In the 400 medley relay, the team of Corona, Jack Neton, Goodspeed and Connor Barringer combined for a time of 3:30.61. Then in the 400 freestyle relay, the quartet of Copp, Jake Goguen, Emmett Moore and Parker touched in at 3:17.45 to end the day on a high note.
The Redhawks next meet will be an intrasquad event slated for Jan. 23.
OTHER PODIUM FINISHERS:
Connor Barringer: 200 free (1st, 1:50.27); 200 IM (3rd, 2:04.77)
Jack Neton: 200 IM (1st, 1:58.67); 100 breast (2nd, 59.70)
Will Corona: 200 back (1st, 2:00.35)
Tyler Goodspeed: 100 free (1st, 48.58)
Ryan Ascencio: 200 fly (2nd, 1:59.59); 100 fly (3rd, 55.31)
Parker Wichelmann: 100 fly (2nd, 55.29); 200 fly (3rd, 2:05.67)
Juan Varela: 500 free (2nd, 4:56.95)
Justin Kalugin: 1000 free (3rd, 10:23.00); 500 free (3rd, 4:58.64)
Taj Mercer: 200 back (3rd, 2:12.05)
Kyle Bailey: 200 breast (3rd, 2:12.80)
Noa Copp: 100 free (3rd, 49.96)
400 freestyle relay: Achecar, Wichelmann, Kalugin, Varela (3rd, 3:29.90)