After an impressive season, the Blue Wave men’s and women’s swimming and diving teams proved that they are the best and brought home another SUNYAC title.
Both sides of the team have become rather familiar with the SUNYAC podium—this particular title is the women’s 24th championship and the men’s 23rd championship. The two teams have continuously shown that with all of the hard work they put in throughout the season, they are the worthiest of earning the title. Head coach Paul Dotterweich noted that the win was well-deserved.
“Winning a championship is a great feeling,” he said. “There is a lot of work and dedication that goes into our season by the athletes and staff. Bringing home the title is the reward for the hard work.”
This season was particularly significant for the Blue Wave. Not only was the team dynamic very strong, but many pool records were broken as well. Due to the team having such positive bonds and an overall desire to win, they were able to come together to dominate. They showed that while skill is important, having a supportive team structure is just as necessary.
“We were able to do some things this year that we have not done in the past. Our dual meet season was exceptional form—start to finish—with beating [Division I] Canisius College to break several pool records in our last few meets,” Dotterweich said. “Winning two championships, breaking several team and conference records, we won 23 of 40 events at the championships—that's pretty awesome.”
After having such a great year, the team has to unfortunately say goodbye to some key teammates—13 seniors, to be exact. With this being the case, next year’s athletes must make sure to make their own mark.
“We graduate a lot of talent and leadership in our senior class. It will be important for the younger athletes to step up and work hard in the off season to get ready for next season if we want to win a couple more next year,” Dotterweich said. “If the younger athletes have learned anything from their senior class, it should be hard work and dedication. If this is to be true, then they should have no problem continuing the team’s high success rate.”
With all of the success they have had this year, the Blue Wave has a lot to live up to next season. With their current repertoire of countless victories and solid leadership provided by Dotterweich, the Blue Wave should come back on top for seasons to come.
It is an emotional end to a great season with the team saying goodbye to major leadership figures. Dotterweich explained that he does his best to recognize everyone’s devotion and hard work on the team and makes sure to thank them for all that they have done.
They have been exceptional all year and words can't express the pride I feel when I think about all they have given to the program this year,” Dotterweich said. “A special shout out to the seniors who have worked diligently in the pool and the classroom over the past four years and have created a model program.”