CSB+SJU swim and dive approach halfway point of the season

In the fast-paced world of collegiate swim and dive, the College of St. Benedict and St. John’s University swim and dive teams find themselves navigating the currents of midseason challenges and triumphs.

CSB’s recent performances have presented challenges, finishing third out of four teams in their last meet and encountering a three-meet losing streak before that. Despite these setbacks, the CSB team remains resilient and focused on improvement.

CSB swimmer Lindsay Smutka provides insight into the team’s recent meets, expressing enthusiasm about what the team is capable of. Her positive outlook sets the tone for the team’s collective energy and determination.

“I feel like I’ve had a good start to the season, and I’m really excited for our upcoming meet in Rochester,” Smutka said.

Team dynamics play a crucial role in CSB’s journey. Smutka emphasizes the positive team environment, where collaboration and support form the foundation of their efforts.

In response to the competitiveness of their races, CSB has strategically honed in on training events slightly longer than the races they compete in. This approach aims to provide an extra boost in the final moments of a race, particularly in the face of close finishes where hundredths of a second can make all the difference.

While the team has gotten off to a slower start this season, they are determined to show what they are capable of.

On the other side, SJU swim and dive has displayed some positive momentum early this season. Despite a loss to Eau Claire in their last meet, they won their two meets prior and placed second out of four teams in their most recent meet.

SJU head coach Ben Gill paints a vivid picture of the team that has been exceeding expectations and growing stronger with each competition. According to Gill, the upcoming meet in Rochester serves as a proving ground for the team’s training progress and an opportunity for standout performances.

“The team has been doing great so far this season,” Gill said. “We have performed well at meets and are growing and improving with each passing competition. I would say to this point they are certainly meeting expectations. This weekend’s meet will be a big test to see how the training has gone so far the first half of the season. We are hopeful for some best times and great performances by the team down in Rochester.”

Gill points out the swimmers’ dedication to refining their underwater techniques, a strategic focus that has been a priority for the team in recent seasons. The hope is that this emphasis will yield positive results, especially in the upcoming meet where the competition is expected to be fierce.

The upcoming meet serves as a midpoint evaluation for SJU. It offers an opportunity to assess the team’s adaptation to training and identify areas for improvement as the team continues to get closer to the MIAC Championships. Gill emphasizes the excitement surrounding this point in the season, expressing hope for best times and stellar performances.

“Specifically, at this point in the season we are focusing on race pace and speed training. We should have put in most of the work for our aerobic base and now hope to take that work and translate it into speed work that will apply to their specific races,” Gill said.

CSB+SJU’s upcoming Rochester Invite will take place in Rochester, Minn. from Nov. 30 to Dec. 2.