Loyal fan support and a positive atmosphere, both key attributes that have made the Geneseo Blue Wave teams unstoppable while competing in the Alumni Pool this season.
Head coach Paul Dotterweich acknowledged the importance of swimming in familiar waters.
“Home meets are always easier on the athletes,” Dotterweich said. “The travel takes a lot out of you and makes for long days. I think there is an advantage to having some of your last meets being at home.”
On Saturday Feb. 8, Blue Wave hosted the Geneseo Invitational, its final home meet of the year. Similar to the rest of its season, Geneseo swam its way to another victory, capping off one of its most successful runs in team history.
Junior Kenny Athans led the men as a four-event winner that day. Athans was victorious in the 100 breaststroke (1 minute, 1.39 seconds), the 100 freestyle (48.63) and the 200 individual medley (2:00.21). Sophomores Kristian Tialios, Andy Schunk and Tyler Roth joined Athans in helping Blue Wave kick off the meet in winning the 400-medley relay (3:36.12).
For the women, junior Abby Max was also a four-event winner, winning the 50 free (24.88) and the 200 back (2:13.01), while also adding legs to both of the Geneseo’s winning relays.
The divers had a record-setting day, as senior Brandon Peifer had a school’s best dive on the 1-meter board and senior Emily Wanamaker won her 1-meter event, as well.
Dotterweich noted the team’s dedication and focus both in and out of the pool.
“I have been very pleased with what I have seen from the team all season,” Dotterweich said. “They have been working very hard and are starting to see the results form that hard work. The dedication extends outside of the pool with proper nutrition, rest and hydration … Taking care of your body allows you to train at the next level.”
Blue Wave’s season is far from over though, as the team will travel to Erie Community College to compete in the SUNYAC Championships starting Feb. 19.
Dotterweich said he expects the teams’ focus will continue through the SUNYAC Championships and hopefully beyond to the NCAA Championships.