MACOMB, Ill. - Western Illinois swimming and diving set forty-two season top times in tri-meet competition on Saturday (Dec. 17). Illinois-Chicago hosted Saint Louis and Western Illinois.
Illinois-Chicago's women went undefeated besting Western Illinois 214-66 and Saint Louis 178-118. Saint Louis outswam Western Illinois 231-63. In men's competition, Illinois-Chicago edged out Saint Louis 178-121 and Western Illinois 233-63. Saint Louis got the best of the Leathernecks winning 236-60.
Despite falling to the competition, several Leathernecks inked top five event finishes.
"We had a strong meet against UIC and SLU," head coach Greg Naumann said. "Both programs are much stronger right now, but the team swam and dove very well today. The men's team was led by strong finishes from Jacob Shain, Brandon Wilkinson and Doug Ogilvie. On the women's side, Jamie Grau led the way with strong finishes in her events. Overall, the team swam some their fastest in season teams, which is what I expected to see coming out of finals week."
Senior Shawn Fitzpatrick had a breakout season performance earning a third place finish in 200 Back, fourth place finish in 500 Free and in 1000 Free competition placed fifth overall. She set season personal bests in both 500 and 1000 Free, and anchored the 200 Free Relay team that earned a runner-up finish.
Senior Jamie Grau set season personal bests for her fourth place overall finish in 100 Breast and sixth place finish in 200 Breast. She also helped the 200 Medley Relay team to a fourth place overall finish.
Also earning a top five finish for the women was senior Jessica Schnaiter. Her fourth place finish in 100 Back competition marked a season best time.
Sophomore Julia Rassmussen grabbed a fifth place finishes in One Meter (Six Dive) and 1000 Free, setting a season best time in 1000 Free. Freshman Taylor Miller also earned the fifth place spot in 200 IM competition.
Freshman Jacob Shain earned the top finish for the men's team placing second in 200 Fly competition.
Continuing his ability to improve throughout the season, freshman diver Doug Ogilvie earned third place finishes in both One Meter (Six Dive) and Three Meter (Six Dive). His Three Meter (Six Dive) performance marked his season high.
Senior Brandon Wilkinson earned spots on the podium as well placing fourth in 200 Breast and fifth in 100 Breast, setting a season personal record.
The men's 200 Free Relay and 200 Medley Relay teams took home fourth and fifth place overall finishes, respectively.
The Leathernecks are back in the water on January 14 in Charleston, Ill. The meet against Eastern Illinois is slated to begin at 1 p.m.
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