While the regular season has come to an end for Geneseo men’s and women’s swimming and diving teams, they will continue competing in the upcoming SUNYAC championships. Starting on Thursday Feb. 20, the Blue Wave will travel to Buffalo to compete in the first day of the championship meet
In the first week of the season, head coach Paul Dotterweich made a bold statement about his hopes for the season: “I expect both teams to be crowned SUNYAC champions.”
His statement seems to reflect his past of leading many teams to SUNYAC championships, including six straight titles from the women. Now, Dotterweich is a few days away from his prediction coming true.
Assessing the regular season, Dotterweich said, “The season progressed as you would hope with the athletes swimming faster as the season went on.”
Before the team travels west, it had to compete in a final meet at the Ithaca College Invitational. With Blue Wave’s ticket to the SUNYAC championships already punched, it was time for the team to show off its depth – an important reason for its success this season.
Senior Jule Deren picked up a pair of first-place swims to lead Blue Wave on Saturday Feb. 15. Deren took top honors in the 1,650 freestyle (18 minutes, 16.72 seconds) and the 500 freestyle (5:19.50).
Sophomore Caroline Russo also registered a first-place effort for Geneseo, taking top honors in the 200 individual medley (2:18.52).
Freshman Amanda Barry took a pair of second-place finishes in the 400 individual medley (4:48.97) and the 200 breaststroke (2:31.19), while freshman Nicole Fico took second in the 200 freestyle (2:01.49) and third in the 50 free (25.57).
Dotterweich fully understands what makes this team so successful, stating, “The athletes have done what has been asked of them. I am confident in our training program. The hard work is behind us now we have to go out and execute.
“The team culture and chemistry is great,” he added. “I believe that is what sets the best teams apart.”
The SUNYAC championships run Wednesday Feb. 19 through Saturday Feb. 22 at Erie Community College in Buffalo.