The St. Olaf men’s and women’s swimming and diving team had their first meet of the season at the St. Thomas Relays last Saturday, Oct. 26. St. Olaf competed against Carleton College, Hamline University, Augsburg College, University of St. Thomas, University of Chicago and St. Mary’s University of Minnesota. The St. Olaf swimming teams had at least one relay participating in each of the 17 events.
The St. Thomas Relays were not scored because there were no individual swimming events. However, both the men’s and women’s teams finished high in a number of races, setting them up for a good start to the season.
The St. Olaf men’s swimming team has a lot to defend this year, as they won the MIAC title last year. They consistently placed high in a number of events. Notably, three of the men’s relays finished in first place. A relay consisting of Billy Brebrick ’16, Tanner Roe ’15, Andrew France ’17 and Mike Gratz ’15 took first place in the 200-yard freestyle relay. Gratz, Roe, Colby Kubat ’14 and Spencer Scarth ’14 captured first place in the men’s 400-yard 4×100 Individual Medley relay.
Finally, the team of Roe, Kubat, France and Gratz finished first in the 400-yard freestyle relay. St. Olaf men’s relays also finished second in three relays and third in two other relays.
The women’s swimming team had a strong start to their season, too, taking first place in the women’s 400-yard freestyle relay. The winning team consisted of Abbey Schnaith ’16, Maddie Lee ’16, Sarah Kemp ’14 and Carolyn Bernhardt ’14. The women took second place in four other relays, fourth in two relays and fifth in another relay.
While the swimming meet was taking place, the men’s and women’s diving teams were also competing at College of St. Catherine. The women’s team competed in both the one-meter and three-meter diving events. The men’s team competed in the one-meter diving event.
Scott Hodgson ’16 finished second in the men’s one-meter with a final score of 205.25. In addition, Josie Haxton ’14 finished 15th in the women’s one-meter, and Jenny Mohn ’14 finished 15th in the three-meter.
The St. Thomas Relays were the first meets in a long season that stretches into March. The St. Olaf swimming and diving teams compete next on Saturday, Nov. 2 at the Northfield Colleges Quad Classic. They will be looking to build on this strong beginning from the St. Thomas Relays.
