ST. JOSEPH, Minn. — Junior Haley Zelen (Shakopee, Minn.), who was part of three pool records in a dual against Carleton (Jan. 24), has been named The House / St. Cloud Orthopedics CSB Athlete of the Week.
Zelen delivered a standout performance to lead the CSB swimming and diving team in its dual with Carleton, a 154–146 loss. She won two individual events in pool-record fashion and swam on two winning relays, including another pool-record performance.
She set the tone early by breaking the pool record in the 100 freestyle with a time of 51.82. Zelen followed with another pool mark in the 100 breaststroke, touching the wall in 1:05.16 — a personal best that ranks second all-time at CSB, just shy of Katie Kuhlman’s school record of 1:04.58 set in 2000.
Zelen was also part of the pool record-setting 200 medley relay that captured first place in 1:48.35, a time that ranks fifth all-time in CSB history. She teamed up with junior Mary Morris (St. Cloud, Minn.), Bartels, and first-year Anna Schottler (Chanhassen, Minn.) for the winning swim.
CSB added another relay victory in the 200 freestyle relay, as Zelen, Morris, first-year Lydia Jostock (Delano, Minn.), and Schottler combined for a winning time of 1:39.71.
Already this year, the junior standout has three NCAA DIII B cuts, set records in the 50-free of 23.07, 100 butterfly at 54.72 and 100 freestyle of 50.79 and ranks second in the 100 breaststroke at CSB. Additionally she has been part of two relays – 400 medley relay 3:57.80 and 400 freestyle relay of 3:34.00 – recording times that sit second all-time at CSB
Zelen and Saint Benedict will have one final tune-up before postseason competition when it travels to Minneapolis, Minn., for the Minnesota First Chance Meet on Feb. 6–7, ahead of the MIAC Championships scheduled for Feb. 11–14.
Nestled in the heart of beautiful St. Joseph, Minnesota, the College of Saint Benedict (CSB) Swimming program has proudly celebrated over 50 years of competitive excellence. The Bennies have built a tradition rooted in Courage, Strength, and Boldness (CSB) —values that guide them in the pool, the classroom, and throughout our community. What sets CSB Swimming apart is its unique collaboration with Saint John’s University: Bennie swimmers train together on the CSB campus, yet compete alongside the Johnnies, creating a dynamic and supportive environment that’s both competitive and community-driven. Throughout its history, CSB Swimming has produced 12 NCAA Division III All-Americans, a testament to the team’s relentless pursuit of excellence. Equally impressive is the Bennies’ academic success—achieving 18 consecutive years as a CSCAA Scholar All-America Team. This dual commitment to athletics and academics reflects the high-achieving nature of the student-athletes who wear the Bennie cap. With a strong legacy and an even stronger future, Bennies continue to inspire, lead, and push the limits.