Photo by Thomas Park on Unsplash
By Colin James, Contributing Writer
On Thursday, February 17, both the Susquehanna men’s and women’s swimming and diving teams traveled to Germantown, Maryland to compete in the 2021-22 Landmark Conference Championships and attempt to dethrone the defending champion, Catholic University of America.
This will be the first time Susquehanna has competed in the Swimming and Diving Landmark Championship since sitting out the 2020-2021 season due to COVID-19.
Catholic has won the Landmark Conference Championship for five consecutive seasons. Following a 3-4 season, Susquehanna looks to overcome the powerhouse that is Catholic behind first-year head coach Mike Tubb.
The men are led by seniors Christian Bartley, Conor McManus, Carter Niness, Colton Smith, Richard Thomas and Eric Towse.
Towse comes off a strong performance against Ramapo College, posting wins in the 100- and 200-yard backstroke, as well as the 200-yard individual medley. The last time he competed in the Landmark Championships, Towse was crowned the conference champion in both the 100 backstroke (50.36) and 200 backstroke (1:52.04).
Following a 4-3 season, the women’s team will attempt to regain their title after losing the last two years to Catholic. Before then, the Susquehanna women won nine consecutive titles from 2010 to 2019.
The leading female seniors include Larisa Calvo, Tara Caucino, Sarah Gallahan, Sabrina Krotzer, Olivia Lee, Caroline Lewis, Shannon McGoey, Torie Morin and Paige Swartz.
Two standouts to watch on the women’s side are first-year Ashley Derrick and junior Haley Muth. Derrick comes off of a strong showing against Ramapo in which she took home first place in both the 100- and 200-yard backstroke events. Derrick currently ranks fifth in the conference in the 100-yard backstroke.
Muth was also successful against Ramapo, posting wins in the 50- and 100-yard freestyle events. Her 50-yard freestyle time is currently ranked eighth in the conference.
The Landmark championship competition will continue through February 20.