Swimming & Diving: Men’s team completes perfect Ivy schedule

The men closed out the meet by winning 172-120. Freshman Michael Strand, junior Brian Barrett, senior Charlie Wang and freshman Harrison Wagner started off against Columbia by winning the 200-yard medley relay with a time of 1:30.28. Sophomore Paul Nolle furthered Princeton’s lead by winning the 1000 freestyle in 9:27.95. The momentum kept on going as the Tigers picked up wins in the 200 free, 100 backstroke, 100 breaststroke and more.

“The meet was highlighted by outstanding performances from both Robert Coe and Michael Hauss, each of whom won two individual events,” said junior Rory Loughran, who took second in the 200 free. Senior Robert Coe finished his regular season at Princeton with victories in the 100 and 200 backstroke, while freshman Michael Hauss won the 200 butterfly and the 500 free.

“The team swam really well Friday night,” said senior Travis McNamara. “It was a great way to close out another undefeated season.” Friday’s meet was the last of the regular season for the class of 2012, and for these men in particular, it was a time for great reflection. “For some seniors it was our last meet in DeNunzio, so to go out with a win and our third undefeated season as a class was really exciting,” said McNamara.

If the men can go on to win the Ivy League Championship, the senior class would be the first since 1992 to win four consecutive league titles. “To do something that hasn’t been done for 20 years is something that the whole team is very excited about,” said McNamara.

Sophomore Lisa Boyce led the women’s team by winning the 100 backstroke and 100 free. Senior Caitlin Baran also performed well, placing third in the 200 breaststroke and the 200 individual medley.

Although the women’s team was not able to win its last regular season meet, senior Mary Killian was proud of the way the team performed. “We really came together and supported each other in every race,” she said, “and I am really proud of how well we swam, regardless of the score.”

And for the senior class, this was also the last regular season meet. “As a class, we all appreciate the passion and love that this team has for each other,” Killian said. “It was a great team effort.”

Now, both teams are focusing on preparation for the Ivy League Championships to be held on Feb. 23-25. “Winning the Ivy title this year would be a huge accomplishment,” said McNamara. “Going undefeated during our four years here is something we’ve talked about since we were recruits, before we even stepped foot on campus.”

“We are focusing on doing the little things right in the water and taking care of our bodies so that we are ready to take on the other teams in what is for sure going to be a very tough meet,” freshman Shirley Wang said.