CMS Top Cal Lu On Senior Day
The CMS Stag and Athena Class of 2011 enjoyed a stellar "Senior Day" on January 22, 2011. The swimmers and divers faced California Lutheran University in the final home meet of the season. After the requisite cheers, hugs, chest-bumps and balloons, the Athenas dethroned the Regals 192 to 44 while the Stags topped the Kingsmen 158 to 83.
Coach Charlie Griffiths said, "This senior class has been tremendously influential within the CMS program over the past four years. Beyond the championships and the records, it is a group that has embodied the spirit of CMS swimming and diving. As much as we appreciate their talents in the pool, their value on deck and on campus is just as notable."
In the women's meet, Michele Kee scored two individual wins for CMS. With four CMS freshmen posting sub-minute times in the 100 yard butterfly, Kee was victorious with an NCAA B-cut of 57.77, which places her as the second-fastest performer in CMS history in that event. Kee later won the 100 breaststroke
"Based on practice performances, we've been anticipating breakout swims in the butterfly for several swimmers," Griffiths noted. "They bring out the best in each other during practice and that translates into group success at meets."
Eight other Athenas won individual events, with each class contributing. Seniors Carliann Brashier, Tessa Dover, and Teija Mortvedt won the 1000 freestyle, 100 backstroke and 3-meter diving events, respectively. Junior Emma Jones took first in the 200 freestyle. Sophomores Carmen Lundell, Olivia Graham and Tara McIntyre notched victories in 1-meter diving, the 400 individual medley and the 500 freestyle. The sprinting duties were picked up by the frosh, with Kristie Howard and Ellie Smith winning the 50 and 100 yard freestyle events.
In relay action, Elsa Cheng, Emma Jones, Katie Bilotti and Kristie Howard won first in the 200 medley relay. Helen Liu, Emma Jones, Dana Shaker and Ellie Smith won the 200 free relay. Liu led off the relay with a 24.33 in the 50 free, good for fourth on the CMS top 10 list.
The men's meet brought Stag victories in nine events. The 200 yard medley relay was one of the most exciting races of the day, as the CMS "A" and "B" squads swam stroke for stroke throughout the eight lengths. Ultimately the "B" team of Austin Hallett, Brad Perfect, Brendan Huss and Devin Bowers prevailed 1:39.05 to 1:39.50.
Sophomore Andrew Fevery was a double winner, sweeping the 3-meter and 1-meter diving competitions. A pair of seniors teamed to win the distance races. Ian McGinnity won the 1000 yard freestyle and Nick Ostreim pulled away in the final 150 yards to win the 500 free. Coach Griffiths observed, "Ian McGinnity showed off his range today, winning the 1000 free and posting the fastest 50 free relay split among six 200 yard freestyle relays."