John Luke Fabian
jfabian1@uwyo.edu
Twitter: @HouseFabian
The Wyoming Cowboy and Cowgirl swimming and diving teams set new records as they concluded a two-day meet this past weekend with Louisiana State and Northern Arizona. The men’s team beat the LSU Tigers 131-112, while the women beat Northern Arizona 144-99 but lost to LSU 92-151.
“I am very proud of the way the guys competed, especially how it came down to the last couple of events. It was a big win for our program,” Wyoming head coach Tom Johnson said.
On the first day, Wyoming set ten pool records, with sophomore Kyle White having two of them. He was able to grab victories in the 50 and 100 freestyle with time of 23.16 and 51.60. Senior Ryan Nelson broke a couple of records as well with wins in the 400 free and 200 IM. He posted times of 4:06.13 and 2:07.55, respectively.
The only Cowgirl to set a pool record on Friday was freshman Isobel Ryan. She won the 50 freestyle with a time of 25.25. A squad of Ryan, Samantha Burke, Sarae Dydo and Emily Ridout was able to set a new pool record in the 200 freestyle. Junior Emily Stevens was able to claim victory in 50 backstroke with a time of 29.08.
Wyoming broke records in the 200 free relay and the 400 medley relay and found victories in them while doing so.
The second day was much like the first, with Wyoming earning ten victories and six being new pool records.
“Kyle (Scalise) was very impressive today, even the LSU coaches noticed. The Cowgirls swam a lot better than yesterday. I’m glad they were able to hold off NAU on both days,” coach Johnson said.
Senior Scalise set a new pool record with a victory in the 100 breaststroke with a time of 1:02.65. Scalise was also part of a relay team that claimed victory in the 200 medley relay and breaking a pool record with a time of 1:41.40. Nelson set another record on Saturday, with a win in the 400 IM. Austin Rettinghouse finished in third place in the 3 meter diving event.
For the Cowgirls, Senior Emily Ridout was able to get first place in the 50 freestyle with a time of 26.20. Abby Sullivan was another standout performer with a record and a victory in the 100 backstroke. Kari Campbell and Keely Bishop finished fourth and fifth in the 1 meter diving event.
“I am happy with the results and the way they hit the pool. I think this meet will prepare them mentally and physically for the challenges the rest of the season will have,” coach Johnson said.
The Cowgirls will be back at it on Friday with a meet against Colorado State at 5 p.m. The men will be swim again on Nov. 12 against the Air Force Falcons.
