The Hillsdale College women’s swim team won yet another tri-meet this past Friday.
Hosted at the Jack McAvoy Natatorium, the Chargers defeated Albion College and Tiffin University.
The filled stands were a fitting audience for the exciting meet, which was also a night to honor the team’s seniors- Rachel Kurtz, Ali Bauer, Cayley Cruickshank, and Jordan Rucinski. Each had an impressive evening, starting off with Kurtz’s win in the 100 free with a time of 53.41. Kurtz finished an impressive 2 seconds ahead of the second place finisher.
“In the meet we started off with some great momentum with some fast times but slowed toward the end of the meet. The girls are tired as we have had meets consecutively for a few weeks now, collectively, they did a good job,” head coach Kurt Kirner said.
Cruickshank, another senior short distance swimmer, clinched a third place finish in the 100 breaststroke, along with junior Sarah Rinaldi who got the win with a time of 1:09.21, adding valuable points to the Chargers’ total score. Bauer also swam the 100 breaststroke, placing fourth.
The versatile Rucinski swam in a number of events, swimming to second place in the 50 free (25.63), and fourth in the 500 free with a time of 5:34.38. Rucinski was also a large contributor in the second place finish of the 200 free relay.
Junior distance swimmer Zoe Hopkins competed for the win in the 1650 (one mile) race, with a time of 18:29.91, which was 13 seconds ahead of second place. The enthusiasm from the stands helped keep her motivated the entire way through, she said.
“My favorite part was how many people we had in the stands. There was a good turnout for the senior ceremony and for the races. It was really motivating and exciting to have so much support,” Hopkins said.
The Chargers were also one, two and three in the 400 IM, with Rinaldi (4:48.11), and freshmen Theresa Smith and Peyton Bowen not far behind.
Although Hillsdale does not have any divers to contribute to its score, they were fast enough in the pool to claim the victory over Albion and Tiffin, giving Hillsdale’s seniors a memorable night.
“This meet was definitely bittersweet. The last real home meet gave me a lot of perspective on my swimming career. I’ve been swimming competitively year-round since I was eight and come February I’ll be done. Forever,” Bauer said. “It’s sad because another year always brought more opportunities to achieve goals and soon I will be done swimming and have goals left unfinished. Thanks to all the things swimming has taught me, when this door closes, so many more will open.”
Kirner also had a few sentimental remarks about this years’ talented graduating class.
“Our four seniors are irreplaceable-a big part of our success the past four years,” he said. “I couldn’t ask for more from a group of student athletes great both in the classroom and in the pool.”
The women’s swim team will travel to the University of Chicago to compete over the weekend.
