Unique Opportunity In Play for BSU Swim & Dive
By: Meg Bonney
Staff Writer
Bridgewater State University’s swimming and diving teams have a unique opportunity ahead of them, the chance to send two men and women’s relay teams to the NCAA Division III Championships in Greensboro, North Carolina this March. The teams expect to compete in the 200-yard freestyle relay and the 200-yard medley relay.
The elite group of swimmers features five women: seniors Haley Nolan and Danielle Souza, and juniors Megan Bonney, Mackenzie Coogan, and Adi Tobias. The five men are senior Jameson Rose, juniors Sean Flaherty, Giulian Santos and Dylon Willis, and sophomore Michael Leung.
The group is excited and prepared for the challenge of swimming at such a competitive event. “It’s incredible to think that this year we could take it to the next level in North Carolina,” says Haley Nolan, who swam in three record-breaking relay teams last season. Swimmers like Adi Tobias are also amazed with their development in their time with the team: “we weren’t a team to be reckoned with. It’s really amazing how far our team has come in just three years.”
Swimming and diving is a sport that measures individual success, but the ten swimmers value their unity as a team and appreciate being part of this special group. Qualifying for the Division III Championship is not guaranteed, so they are determined to train hard and do what it takes to make their goal a reality.
If achieved, this will be the first time that the program has sent this many swimmers to compete at the national level, following an upward trend for the program. Last season, Richard Smith qualified in three individual events for the meet, placing 16th in the 200-yard breaststroke, 18th in the 400-yard individual medley, and 32nd in the 200-yard individual medley.
Want to support your Bears on their road to North Carolina? Come by the Dr. Mary Jo Moriarty Pool for their next dual meet on January 5th at 1PM. Go Bears!
Meg Bonney is a Staff Writer
