CSB and SJU swim and dive teams dive back into competition

The CSB and SJU swim and dive teams kicked off their season this past weekend at their annual intrasquad meet.

This meet, also called the Red vs. Blue meet, gives swimmers opportunities to participate in races that they would not normally compete in at a traditional meet. The meet allows athletes to work on their performances early in the season.

“This annual event gives our teams a chance to break off into separate swim groups to continue the tradition of friendly and competitive intersquad rivalry,” SJU senior Parker Scanlon said.

“From what I saw at the meet, we have got a really good [first-year] class that’s super positive and has a super good work ethic, so I’m excited to see where they’re able to go from here,” Tatge said.

CSB senior Emi Wagner lists out the team’s goals for the year: beat St. Olaf and Carleton at dual meets, achieve 40 team personal bests or season bests by December and maintain a team GPA of 3.5 or higher.

SJU’s team goal is simple: win the MIAC championship.

“Thanks to our amazing coaches, Ben Gill and Kyle Green, our team has seen exponential growth in performance, and we are ready for the challenge,” Scanlon said.

Gill has been head coach for the SJU swim and dive team for five years, and he also hopes for the team championship this year, as well as to qualify as many athletes as possible for the NCAA championship.

“I think we have several guys that are on the right track right now. It’s still very early, but knowing that we have had a good start to the season makes everything else easier,” Gill said.

The SJU athletes have been pushing themselves every day. They are showing tenacity during each practice, and Gill says it shows.

Amanda Wolvert, who has also been head coach for five years for the CSB swim and dive team, has high hopes for her team as well.

“They are bringing excitement and hard work to each practice, and it’s been a fun start to the season,” Wolvert said.

The Bennies have already broken two meet records in the 400 medley and 400 free relays at the intrasquad meet over the weekend.

“Our school records are tough to beat because we have had great athletes that have come before us, but our team is just as good, if not better,” Wagner said.

Tatge hopes her team gives it everything they have got all season long and finishes the season feeling proud and accomplished with themselves and as a team.

“I feel like especially after this intrasquad meet, we have got a really strong base, and I think we are going to go far this year,” Tatge said.

The CSB and SJU swim and dive teams have their next meet on Oct. 21 against Macalester.

“I love when people come and watch swim meets and support us, even if it’s for half an hour, because we don’t get a big crowd,” Wagner said.

As a team, the athletes are trying to raise money for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation at this upcoming meet. It is encouraged to wear pink in support and donate a few dollars to the women who are struggling and in need of help.