By Arthur Cosson, Video Editor & Social Media Manager
For their second home meet of the season, the men’s and women’s swimming teams competed against Lynn University on Friday, November 4, with mixed results.
Both teams took advantage of the “athletes for athletes” program. This initiative, set up by the athletic department, encourages athletes from all Saint Leo athletic teams to come out and cheer for the competing team if possible.
Saint Leo swimming team co-captains Hugo Chopineau, a graduate student majoring in business administration, and Isabelle Sering, a junior majoring in economics with a minor in finance, are looking back at a great event.
Chopineau said, “It was a great time on Friday having our first home meet of the season (2nd so far) and hosting Lynn University. A lot of people came by to support us, and we are super grateful and happy for that.”
This undoubtedly allowed the men’s team to win by a wide margin (134.5 points for the Lions – against 70.5 points for Lynn) with ten individual victories out of the eleven events of the day.
After analyzing his teammates’ performances, Chopineau stated that “everyone did a good performance and swam well, which is positive for the following meet and the upcoming conference championships.”
The Lions have an important battle ahead of them as they face the University of Tampa Spartans, ranked number five in the country, on Dec. 16-19.
This is the same team that the women will also face. And they may have a chance to make up for their 81-119 loss to Lynn University, who is ranked number 16.
However, this loss also serves as an experience for the entire team.
“As it is the second meet for the freshmen and transfers, we are glad that they start to adjust to our routines and see how we upperclassmen compete together at meets.” Sering said.
Moreover, Sering already observes an evolution in this early season.
“I saw plenty of positive changes from our first meet two weeks ago and am sure that we grow closer as a team for every meet we have.” She stated.
Both men’s and women’s teams have the Sunshine State Conference Championship in Feb. 2023 and the NCAA Championship in Mar. 2023 as their primary goals. The lions will have more time to fine-tune their preparations during practices and dual meets (1-on-1 school) during the fall semester.
“This is our building and intensive training phase. We are building the cardio and core training we need for the season. Later, we will start working on speed, perfecting our technique, and getting ready to swim fast.” Said Sering .
“To be honest, I still don’t know where we will finish at the conference championships. But I am sure of one thing: we will do our best to do better than last season!” Chopineau added.
Although the results were mixed between the men’s and women’s teams, Sering adds, “Competing at home is always special and a lot of fun. Seeing your friends, other teams, parents, and teachers come to the pool to cheer you on creates an incredible atmosphere and a perfect sense of team and school spirit.”
And for Chopineau, it is an excellent opportunity to compete at home after he tore his ACL last season.
“Last season, I did not get a chance to compete much at home. This home meet against Lynn was my first home meet in a year, and it was amazing! The crowd was crazy for every run our Lions made, and I really look forward to the next home meet to experience that again.” Chopineau shared.
From here on out, we can only wish the men’s and women’s swim teams the best for the rest of the season. And as always… GO LIONS!
