Milligan’s swim team celebrated their senior night Jan. 29 by defeating King University, a division two school.
Milligan’s women’s team beat King 189-61, winning 13 out of 14 events, according to the tournament’s records, “Milligan’s women won all four relays and a handful of national marks. Tyler Cates (200 freestyle), Maggie Blazo (100 breaststroke), Kaylee Williams (100 breaststroke, 200 breaststroke) and Gabby MacPherson (50 freestyle, 400 freestyle) all earned national cuts.”
The men’s team also out swam King by a large margin, finishing their meet at 165-96. Tournament records show that Stephen Gilbert, who competed in the 100 and 200 backstroke,and Aubin Dulin, who swam the 100 and 200 breaststroke, highlighted the men’s side with a combined four national marks.
Millgan Junior Elijah Manship has been swimming for seven years and has been on Milligan’s team for three. According to Manship, many precautions have been made in light of the COVID-19 Pandemic and most swim meets go without spectators.
“But for the meet specifically tonight, it’s senior night, so this will be the first time we have spectators actually allowed in the pool,” said Manship.“Every senior gets two parents, that’s the only people allowed in there along with coaches and officials.”
The layout for the competitors’ warm ups has also changed, and the amount of swimmers allowed in the pool and on deck has been limited.
“Once the meet actually gets started, instead of everyone being on the pool deck and sitting and watching the races, [only] the people who are swimming and the people who are immediately up next are the only ones who are allowed in the pool,” said Manship.
Despite the rearranged meet schedule and format, Manship is very optimistic for this year’s swim team.
“I think we will do well at conference this year, we’re looking very strong,” says Manship. “At a mock meet at the end of last week…everybody went near their best time or on their best times at Milligan’s pool, which is really, really nice.”
To watch the live stream of the Swim and Dive team’s upcoming meets at the Appalachian Athletic Conference Championships, follow @waterbuffs on Instagram.
Headline photo: Maggie Blazo swimming backstroke at the King University meet. Photo from milliganbuffs.com.