NORTHFIELD, Minn. – The St. Olaf College men’s and women’s swimming and diving teams swept Luther College in non-conference dual meets on Saturday at Skoglund Center Natatorium.
The St. Olaf women won 15 of the 16 events on their way to a 215-82 victory over the Norse, while the men won nine times in their 164-107 win. The Ole women improved to 5-0 in dual meets this season, while the men collected their first victory of the season.
Senior Aiden Yung led the way for the men’s team by winning the 200-yrad freestyle (1:49.88), 200-yard backstroke (2:02.03), and 200-yard individual medley (2:01.54). Yung also swam on the Oles’ first-place 200-yard medley relay (1:38.83) with senior Nick Starcevich, junior Jack Homme, and senior William Wallace.
Homme picked up wins in the 100-yard freestyle (49.57) and the 100-yard butterfly (53.35), as well as leading off the first-place 200-yard freestyle relay (1:29.46) that included Starcevich, junior Luke Williams, and Wallace. Wallace posted the top time of the day in the 50-yard freestyle (22.08), while sophomore Daniel Cameron did so in the 200-yard butterfly (2:05.38).
Eight Oles won at least one individual event for the women, including two wins apiece from first year Alayna McCormick, senior Paige Steenblock, sophomore Olivia Small, and junior Alana Schmitzer. Fresh off a school record in the one-meter diving last week, McCormick won both sessions of the event with scores of 185.70 and 258.05.
Steenblock recorded first-place finishes in the 1,000-yard freestyle (11:26.97) and 200-yard butterfly (2:19.04), Small swept the 100-yard backstroke (59.38) and 200-yard backstroke (2:11.15), and Schmitzer took the 50-yard freestyle (25.15) and 100-yard freestyle (55.42). Small and Schmitzer both swam on St. Olaf’s first-place 200-yard medley relay (1:51.62) and 200-yard freestyle (1:43.62).
Sophomore McKelvey McDaniel was also on both first-place relays and won the 200-yard freestyle (2:01.45), while sophomore McKenna Hultgren was on the 200-yard medley relay and won the 100-yard butterfly (1:01.31). First years Norah Gunderson and Lena Minetto added first-place performances in the 100-yard breaststroke (1:12.04) and 500-yard freestyle (5:34.37), respectively.
St. Olaf will host Carleton College on Senior Day on Saturday, Jan. 31 at 11 a.m. at Skoglund Center Natatorium.
St. Olaf College, home to the Oles, is a small private liberal arts college located in beautiful Northfield, Minnesota. The St. Olaf Swim and Dive team, led by Head Coach Bob Hauck, competes DIII in the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC). When it comes to recruiting, Hauck prioritizes attitude, work ethic, and accountability, seeking athletes who are goal-oriented and team-focused. “Our program’s culture is centered on family,” Hauck says. “It’s a welcoming, supportive environment that’s both encouraging and challenging.” This close-knit team culture, along with a rich history and supportive coaching staff, has helped to create a unique space where athletes not only compete at high levels but also form lifelong bonds. Hauck invites student-athletes who are excited for a rewarding college experience—where academics, swimming, and diving work in harmony. He looks for well-rounded individuals who are ready to contribute to St. Olaf’s long-standing tradition of excellence. “If you’re looking for a program with history, support, and the chance to develop into the best version of yourself, St. Olaf is the place to be,” he says.