By: Dylan DeWitt
Twitter: @dd_witt
Email:dewittd@findlay.edu
The Oiler Swimming and Diving teams have begun the season by making history and doing it with quite a splash. The men’s and women’s teams have put together a year of tremendous accomplishments over the past month, including setting 10 new school records this past weekend at the Calvin Winter Invitational in Grand Rapids, Mi.
Whether national rankings, Great Midwest Swimmer of the Week awards, or sweeping Ashland’s program for the first time ever, the teams are making the most of their opportunities. The early success of the women’s team has earned them a ranking of 19 according to Collegeswimming.com, with the men ranked at 23.
On the women’s side, records and accomplishments have been nothing out of the ordinary. Junior Amanda Stiegel became the first ever National Swimmer of the Week for the Oiler’s program. Stiegel also broke the 200 yard freestyle record and teamed up with Emma Barnes, Julia Snell, and Ashton Klopp to break the 800 yard freestyle relay record this weekend at the Calvin Winter Invitational in Grand Rapids, Mi. The previous mark was set in 2015. The team also set a new 400 yard freestyle record.
In other news, Sophomore Sydney Zimdars was able to etch her name on the record board with a program best swim in the 1650 yard freestyle by over four seconds. The women’s team has also had a Great Midwest Swimmer of the Week in Sophomore Hanna Cedarholm this November.
On the men’s side, records and awards have been coming the Oilers way all season. Senior Janko Radmanovic has made another strong impact in the water this year. Along with being named Great Midwest Swimmer of the Week four times, and National Swimmer of the Week, he has helped break new records as well as his own. Radmanovic recently broke the program records for the 100 and 200 yard freestyle events, and teamed up with Ben Rath, Mark Bilieaud, and Trae Gulgin to set a record in the 800 yard freestyle. The 200 and 400 freestyle relay, and 200 medley relay records were also broken this weekend.
The teams are gearing up for their training trip in Boca Raton, Fl. during winter break, and will continue to compete on the road until Friday, Jan. 19 when they host Wayne State at home.
The Oiler Swimming and Diving teams are not only claiming victories, but also rewriting the records board as well. With the continuation of success, the Oilers will look primed and ready for Championship Season.