The Fighting Scots’ Swim team is heading to the most important meet of the season this Friday, Feb. 15. The Midwest Conference meet is being hosted by Lawrence University in Appleton, Wis.

Entering the MWC meet, two of the team’s dive competitors received a high honor this past week. Freshman Kaycee DeRoo and sophomore Jack Clifford were named the MWC players of the week for their top finishes and career bests at last weekend’s Illinois Wesleyan Titan Diving Invitational. 

DeRoo set a school record with her final score of 319.10 points and is ranked fourth in the conference. Clifford finished with 219.85 points, and is also ranked fourth in the conference. 

Coach Keith Crawford said, “I am very excited, I feel that we have a strong front on both sides of the team.” The men’s swim team will compete against nine teams, and the women will compete against 10. 

Crawford expects a strong second place finish by the men, and a third-fifth place finish from the women. Ten women and eighteen men will be competing in the conference meet. 

Crawford added, “I think our strongest events will be the five hundred and sixteen hundred fifty freestyles will be our strongest events. And also the four hundred individual medley and the two hundred yard butterfly.”  Crawford believes that some of the new practice methods should translate into great results.

He also said, “I look forward to seeing what we can do, we have prepared to have a great meet.”

In addition to Coach Crawford, the swimmers are also ready for the meet. The men’s biggest competitor will be Grinnell College, and junior Joe Moran said, “We are ready to kick some Grinnell butt!”

Senior Jessica DeMink is also excited for the meet, and Senior Heather Plum said, “I am looking forward to a good meet.”  Freshman Tom Pedersen also said, “I am excited as a first year to show the team what I can do.” 

The swim team has had a long season, and sophomore Harrison Heilman said, “It is nice to culminate a five month season to see how I have improved.” This will be the final meet for seniors Dan Campione, Ryan Bouman, Meghan Wentzlaff and DeMink, who are seniors.  

The last practice of the season was filled with fun and excitement. Matt O’Rourke and Ed Novak joked that they were the “cool down champs” as the team ended practice on Wednesday.

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