Men's swimming and diving wins MIAC title

Mike Ludwig
February 21, 2009

MINNEAPOLIS - The St. Olaf men's swimming and diving team won the MIAC Championship behind three individual wins on Saturday night at the University of Minnesota Aquatics Center.

The title is the 25th in school history and second in three seasons. It was the second MIAC championship for St. Olaf in as many weekends, after men's hockey won the crown last weekend, and the third of 2008-09. The St. Olaf men's cross country team won the league's title in the fall.

The Oles' were paced by its seniors, including Jake Koch. Koch set a meet and conference record, and broke his own school mark, with his 44.89 in 100 Free victory.

Nelson Westby, who was named the swimmer of the meet, completed his sweep of the Breaststroke events, winning the 200 with an NCAA "A" cut 2:01.44. The Oles' Chris Bateman and Jacob Reinhart finished third and fifth in the event.

Ole diver Ian Straehly won on the 3-meter board while Ryan Trostrud was third. Trostrud, who won on the 1-meter board, and Straehly were named the co-divers of the meet.

Nate Bentley finished second in the 1650 with a B cut 15:52.01.

Meyer and Kyle Biesecker went 3-4 in the 200 Back, each with NCAA B cut times.

Erik Witzel and Luke Money added third and fourth place swims in the 200 Fly.

The Oles' 400 Free Relay squad was second in NCAA "A" cut time of 3:31.05.

Contact media relations specialist Mike Ludwig at (507) 786-3834 or ludwigm@stolaf.edu.