NORTHFIELD, Minn. – The St. Olaf College men’s and women’s swimming and diving teams both dropped their Senior Day duals to Carleton College on Saturday at Skoglund Center Natatorium.
Seniors Nick Starcevich and Aiden Yung each won one event for the men in a 225-68 defeat, while sophomore Olivia Small had two first-place finishes for the women in a 205.5-92.5 loss.
After the first session of diving, St. Olaf recognized its senior classes of Beau Giddings, Leo Griffey-Byram, Nick Starcevich, William Wallace, and Aiden Yung and Zibby Hanifl, Olivia Hopewell, Rowan Krueger-Barth, Rachael Olson, Ellie Porrata, Zoe Roberts, Evgenia Roth, and Paige Steenblock.
Starcevich sprinted to a win in the 50-yard freestyle in 21.84 seconds, while Yung won the 100-yard breaststroke in 1:01.14 for the Ole men. Small took the titles in the 50-yard backstroke (27.59) and 50-yard butterfly (27.16) for the women.
This week, St. Olaf’s divers will compete at the Northfield Diving Invite (Feb. 3) and Dodd Road Diving Invite (Feb. 7) at Carleton, while the swimmers will be in action at the University of Minnesota First Chance Meet on Friday and Saturday, Feb. 6-7.
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.