The men's swimming and diving team entered this weekend's NESCAC Championships in hopes of gaining a top finish against some of the conference's finest. The 9-1 squad did just that this Friday at Wesleyan, emerging from the deck with a fourth place finish.
Tufts placed one position higher from last season's championships, scoring 1,213 points in the 225-event competition. The scoring total reflects Tufts' gradual improvement in the championships; the Jumbos have steadily climbed from last season's 1,188-point performance and from a 705-point finish the season before.
And this year, Tufts also found itself alongside exclusive company - the meet's top three spots went to Middlebury (1,544), Williams (1,422), and Amherst (1,301). These three powerhouses have been fixtures at the top of standings for the past decade, and usually place in the NCAA Top 25 by the end of the season.
Coach Don Megerle, normally not an emotional team figure, was ecstatic over the Jumbo's final finish. Placing much emphasis on the squad's taper, Megerle cut down practices to about 200 yards, much less than that found at other schools. His rigorous schedule of mental preparation for the players paid off.
"I came into the championships expecting us to finish around fifth place," Megerle said. "Fourth was a good goal for us, and we achieved that. I am very proud of them."
Despite the Jumbos' impressive finish, much of the weekend was filled with anxiety as the squad maintained a narrow cushion over fifth place Hamilton for the majority of the meet. At one point, the Continentals trailed the Jumbos by a margin of 7.5 points, and the teams tied each other in the 800-yard freestyle relay. The suspense settled down at the end, however, as the Jumbos rallied to extend their lead (Hamilton finished with 1153.50 points) and secure their final placement.
All of the Jumbos swam well - every competing swimmer earning at least one point in the meet, and contributing to much support on the deck throughout the weekend's competition.
"This was one loud and crazy weekend," freshman Rich Halpert said. "There was a lot of team spirit out on the deck. We cheered for each other and it paid off beautifully; everybody performed very well."
The team placed sixth in the 200 freestyle relay behind a strong 21.08 split by sophomore Nick Ghoussaini. Halpert overcame illness he faced the week of the meet to claim one fourth place and two sixth place finishes in the 200 freestyle, the 200 IM, and the 200 backstroke. Freshmen Seth Baron and Mike Rochette, and sophomores Tyler Duckworth and Ed Edson also exhibited strong improvements.
Many points came more quietly from the divers, as freshman Jon Perry and juniors Dave Liebenstein and Connell Cloyd gave the Jumbos some much needed scoring to keep a lead over Hamilton. The three finished in close proximity to one another, finishing ninth, eleventh, and twelfth, respectively.
Three school records were set doing the course of the weekend by Baron, Halpert, and Duckworth. Baron broke the Tufts record for the 200 butterfly with a time of 1:55.72. Halpert set a new mark in the 200 individual medley with a time of 1:56.23, while Duckworth broke his own school record set last year in the 200 breaststroke (2:08.21). With their fast finishes, Baron and Duckworth earned themselves B-cut considerations to compete in the NCAA swimming championships.
Overall, the season ended on a high note. Many Jumbos offered praise for departing captain Timmy Bouley, the only competing senior for Tufts in the championships. In his last meet, Bouley contributed not only leadership, but a twelfth place finish in the 400 IM, as well. Many teammates will miss his presence and leadership ability.
"He was an excellent team leader," Halpert said. "He approached the team with great support and great attitude."
Bouley expressed much gratitude for the season as well. A member of the team for four years, he emerged to be one of this year's main figures of support throughout the course of the season.
"I was as confident as I ever have been heading into the championships," Bouley said. "I knew we would do well. We traditionally have strong finishes in the end, and this year was definitely a reflection of that."
Megerle attributes the team's placement to strong efforts all throughout the season, both in training and in maintaining confidence and a strong mental attitude.
"It was such an exciting meet, and the team really deserves some praise," Megerle said. "They went in confident and prepared for the water. They definitely approached the championships with the right mental attitude, and things like that pay off."
The Jumbos' attitude was indeed one of camaraderie, as all of the 24 swimmers followed each other behind Megerle's instructions. Team chemistry was also evident, and players were appreciative of their opportunity to be able to compete in Tuft's final event for the season.
"This season went by beautifully," Halpert said. "I can't wait till next year."
