Loyola Swim Team Continues Success
By: James Fox
Both the men and women's Swimming and Diving teams for Loyola University Maryland earned big victories in their meets on Saturday, December 3rd. The men and women defeated St. Peter's University, 257-106, and 298-60, respectively.
Earlier that day, the men had defeated Iona, 240-124, and they also defeated Marist, 193-175. The women had defeated Iona, 222-147, but lost to Marist, 119-251. All of the day’s meets were held at Loyola’s Fitness and Aquatic Center (FAC). Combined, the men and women were nearly flawless that day as they continued their successful season. Both squads have had their fair share of impressive victories during the 2011-2012 season. The men’s other victories so far this year include meets against Howard, St. Francis and Lafayette. Two of the women’s other victories this season include Howard and Lafayette.
Loyola’s Swimming and Diving teams, especially the men’s, are no strangers to success. The men have won the MAAC Conference the past three seasons, and they continue to be successful this season. Brittany Bond is a freshman on the Loyola Swimming and Diving team and she has been swimming for ten years. She stated, “So far, both the men and women’s teams have performed quite well. Our men have won the MAAC the past three years and are looking for their fourth win this year. So far, the women in the conference are about third.” Brittany, like many other swimmers, is looking forward to the rest of the meets this season, which will carry over into the second semester of the academic year.
Swimming and Diving, like all other collegiate sports, allows the athletes to work together as a team. It teaches the swimmers to rely on one another as the season progresses and it also allows the student-athletes to meet new people. Brittany also said, “I’ve learned what it means to be part of a team. The girls are all really close, and it’s just nice to swim in college and continue doing what I love.”
Loyola University Maryland’s Swimming and Diving teams have used their positive teamwork, as well as work ethic, to succeed so far this year. Their practices are held at the Fitness and Aquatic Center (FAC). Their next meet is right before the next semester, against Rider on Saturday, January 14th, 2012.
