Swimming outside in Michigan’s mid-October weather may not sound pleasant, but for the swimming and diving team, this weekend’s meet will build plenty of memories, according to head coach Matt Gianiodis.
MSU will welcome Denison and Grand Valley on Saturday to compete at the IM West outdoor pool, beginning at 2 p.m. For the MSU men and Denison, this will be the start of their season.
The women traveled to Indianapolis to compete against Notre Dame last Friday, where they were defeated 182-118. MSU finished with five event victories.
“It was a very difficult deal — going down the day of and getting off the bus and trying to perform is hard,” Gianiodis said. “I wish we were a little more competitive in some of those events, which I thought we could have been, but we are shaking off the rust.”
Senior Becca Berman took the first MSU victory of the day during the 1000-yard freestyle with a final time of 10:22.76, followed by junior Chelsea Abbott in second (10:30.57).
Berman dominated the 500-yard freestyle with a time of 5:08.23, followed by freshman Haley Kornburger in second, finishing at 5:09.77. Senior Hannah Pugh finished behind Bridger Casey of Notre Dame in fourth place (5:10.67).
Sophomore Sarah Love finished first in the 100-yard butterfly at 56:74.
Junior Elizabeth Brown finished first in the 200-yard IM (2:11.20) and freshman Mia Baric in third (2:13.68).
MSU took first and second in the 400-yard freestyle relay. Senior Shelby Lacy , sophomore Kennedy Cutler , junior Emily Parsons and freshman Racheal Bukowsi finished first at 3:37.16, followed by Love, senior Taylor Folkertsma, junior Betsy Good and freshman Macy Moore in second (3:41.29).
“Across the board, we need to improve on realizing it’s a race that it’s not practice anymore, and you have to step your game up,” Gianiodis said. “I thought we lost our competitive focus a couple of times because everything was happening so quick.”
MSU prepares to host the exhibition style, outdoor meet this Saturday. Gianiodis thinks this will be a beneficial way for the men to start their season because it is at home and since is more relaxed meet.
“The biggest thing is adjusting to the weather because it is going to be chilly outside,” Gianiodis said. “I would say, just getting used to a college dual meet, especially for our younger kids and the men who haven’t had one yet.”
Denison and Grand Valley will be tough competition, even though they are Division II and III schools. Grand Valley’s men’s team defeated Michigan State last year at home and Denison was a national champion. MSU will use this meet to showcase their outdoor pool, since there are few schools in the country that have this facility available on campus. Even though it will be cold, Gianiodis thinks this meet will be one for the books.
“Well, you’re at home and you have the opportunity to do something unique. I would say it’s kind of a memory maker — especially when it’s cold out. This early on in the season, it’s about trying to get better but having a memory and event like this is kind of fun,” Gianiodis said. “Having an outdoor meet in Michigan in October is very unique, and unique to us. We will embrace it and try to have fun.”
