Senior Elise Mason claimed three conference titles and head coach Kurt Kirner won his fifth Coach of the Year award last week at the Great Midwest Athletic Conference meet as the Chargers swim team earned its third straight runner-up finish in the conference with a score of 1414.5.
During her first three years as a Charger, Mason won every conference title race in the 500-yard freestyle, 1,000-yard freestyle, and the 1650-yard freestyle. She completed her four year reign as the 2025 G-MACs wound to a close last week, once again winning conference titles in all three events.
Two other Chargers swam top-10 times in the 1650-yard freestyle, sophomore Izzy Ondracek in eighth with a time of 18.02.97 and junior Jamie Parsons in ninth with a time of 18:04.74.
“During G-MACs our team is very good at being there for each other and showing Charger spirit,” Parsons said. “Our support for one another helps us perform to the best of our abilities and make it through four physically draining days.”
According to Kirner, senior Megan Clifford succeeded in her quest to qualify for NCAA Division II nationals in the 200 yard butterfly. She also hit a national qualifying mark in a time trial for the 100-yard butterfly on day one of the meet
The Charger 4×400-yard freestyle relay of Clifford, senior Lucia Rutchi, sophomore Alyson Early, and freshman Ella Shafer broke a team record with a time of 3:30.58, which was good for second place in the meet. In the same race, Clifford hit a national qualifying mark as the lead leg in the 100-yard freestyle, punching her ticket to nationals.
Additionally, Hillsdale claimed two podium finishes in the 200-yard breaststroke with senior Joanna Burnham taking runner-up honors in 2:24.53, just out-touching sophomore Lauren Kamp, who took third with 2:24.65.
I am so proud of how we performed at G-MACs. So many people swam best times and really gave it their all,” Mason said. “It makes me so proud to be a part of this team.”
Although many Chargers ended their season last week, a few await the final field for the NCAA DII Championships to be announced on Feb. 26. Clifford and Mason are expected to make the cut for nationals. Both have competed at the national meet in previous seasons, and both have earned All-American honors for their performance. The national meet will be hosted in Indianapolis, Indiana, from March 11-15.
Kirner praised the Charger swim team for its success and dignity throughout the season.
“For me to get my 5th Coach of the Year award in the last few years is more a testament to the great character and competitive reputation of our team,” Kirner said. “We are known for our ‘never quit’ tenacity and our upbeat, supportive and congratulatory approach to all teams and competitors. I’m always proud of what others convey about the character of our Chargers. It has been a marvelous year.”
