Belles' swimmers fare well at Wabash Invitational
By JANEL MILLER
Sports Writer
While most seniors were hanging out with their fathers for Senior Dads Weekend at Saint Mary's, senior swimmers Olivia Smith, Erin McCarthy, and diver Ryann Cox were in Indianapolis and in the pool Saturday afternoon.
The meet, the largest invitational that Saint Mary's will attend during the year, is the site for the U.S. Olympic Trials. The Wabash Invitational, which came into conflict with Senior Dads Weekend at Saint Mary's, put many senior swimmers in a lurch to decide to swim or stay on campus with their fathers.
"I really wanted to be there for the freshmen at this meet because it is an intimidating pool and meet," said co-captain Smith.
Smith also said she made the decision for herself as well.
"It is one of the only times I can swim the 1650 and knew I needed to do it but also because of the pool and all that it stands for, I wanted one more time to be there."
Of the 11 teams at the Wabash Invitational, the Belles placed sixth. "The invite is host to many Division II and III schools and provides for some very tough competition," said Belles head coach Gretchen Hildebrandt. "But we swam really well, and had some great times."
Swimming some off events, some of the Belles still came out on top, including Smith. Having never swum the 400-yard individual medley, Smith and freshman Katy Lebiedz gained points for the Belles and earned impressive times. Freshman Candace Polisky also got a shot at the mile [1650] and did very well according to Hildebrandt.
"I'm so excited to have them swimming personal bests," said Hildebrandt "Everyone had great swims. It's great that they just keep dropping time with each meet."
Freshman Megan Ramsey had another record-shattering weekend for the Belles. Ramsey, who broke the 100-yard butterfly record two weekends ago, reset her record and added another over the weekend.
The new record time of one minute, 1.1 seconds edged Ramsey into a second place finish in the 100-yard event.
The new record was grasped along with a first place berth in the 200 yard butterfly, an event that Ramsey unofficially broke earlier in the year. Ramsey also snatched a second place finish in the 500-yard freestyle.
McCarthy, after taking some time out for academics, was back in action on Saturday claiming season bests in her three events. "This was her first race since the ND Relays back in October and it was a relief for her to get in and come out with those times," said Hildebrandt.
Also dropping considerable time was Polisky in the 500-yard free and Julie McGranahan in the 100-yard butterfly. While freshman teammate Maureen Palchak clinched fourth place points for the team in the 50-yard freestyle and nearly breaking the school record.
"I'm glad I decided to go this weekend," said Smith. "I got one last chance to see the names on the wall of all the Olympians and to race in the fastest pool in the nation. It was definitely worth it."
All Sports Stories for Monday, November 20, 2000
