Over the weekend at the Kenyon University Last Chance Meet, a handful of Geneseo swimmers made the most of their last opportunity to improve on their times in order to make NCAA provisional qualifying standards.
Sophomore Frank Schiappa had a standout performance by recording an NCAA provisional qualifying and school record time of 20.69 seconds in the lead leg of the 200 freestyle relay. Schiappa's improved individual time combined with the efforts of juniors Aaron Wagner, Andrew Kuter and Dan Strothenke led the 200 freestyle relay to an NCAA provisional, SUNYAC and school record time of 1:23.24.
For the women's team, senior Michelle Rodriguez, whose times in December have already guaranteed her a lane at nationals, placed first in the 200 free in 1:51.76 and the 200 back in 2:06.12.
"I was very pleased with the results from the weekend. I think Schiappa, individually, and the men's 200 freestyle relay have put themselves in a much better position to make the NCAA championship," said head coach Paul Dotterweich.
Geneseo swimmers must now play the waiting game to see if their times are fast enough to qualify for nationals. The list of individual swimmers who will be invited to the national meet will be released on March 8.
"It is always nice to be competing and representing Geneseo at the national level. As a group I think we hope to bring home several All-American certificates and again represent the college to the best of our abilities," Dotterweich said.
Nationals will be held on March 23-26 at the Allan Jones Aquatic Center in Knoxville, Tenn.