The Observer, February 25, 2005
Volume XXXVII, Issue 19
Swimmers break out fins for last meet of the season
For most Case swimmers, the past weekend was the last meet of a long season. The meet is technically called the Veale Classic but known to all who participate as "The Last Chance Meet." Some teams drive hours to compete. The larger teams this year, aside from Case, were the University of Akron, Wooster, and John Carroll. Conspicuously absent were Kenyon and Denison, who traditionally are staples of the meet. There were also fewer individuals than normal, with 88 non-Case swimmers, down from more than 200 two years ago.
The meet is not scored, heats and seeding don't matter, and if you screw up, or are disqualified, there are three time trials in which to try again. Each swimmer or team comes in with different goals and ideas as to what the meet represents. Many Case swimmers and teams like the University of Akron come with the desire to swim fast in their primary events to break personal records, pool records, and make national cuts. Others come with the intention of just having a good time, racing off events, and seeing friends and former teammates who now swim for other schools.
One of the most impressive swims of the day came from Case's very own John Keltz. Keltz's goal for the season was to break 58.00 in the 100 breaststroke. At UAA conferences he went a 58.2, leaving him with a B national cut. During the first time trial he got back up on the block and swam a disappointing 58.3. Never one to give up, Keltz signed up to swim it again. At the 50 he was on pace for yet another 58 low, but through force of will, in what can only be described as an amazing feat of athleticism, he maintained speed to swim a 57.66, a time that bought him a ticket to nationals and the varsity team record.
Senior Elaine Hillenmeyer also swam incredibly this weekend. Going into UAAs she wanted to beat the Case varsity record in the 200 IM. It took her one week longer than anticipated, but she beat it with a 2:12.15.
Junior Hannah Webber and freshman Caitlin Gruenhagen were two of only three souls brave enough to face the 400 IM. This grueling event is four 100-yard sprints, one for each stroke. They both completed it in exemplary times of 4:50.96 and 4:53.29 respectively.
Junior Justin Dagget also once again had an excellent meet in multiple swims. In the 200 backstroke he swam a blazing 1:57.58. He also smoked the 200 freestyle in 1:44.44, which solidly placed him in the ranks of the best 200 freestylers in this team's recent history.
On the lighter side of things, all the divers competed in a few the swimming. Each swam the 50-yard freestyle in a little over 30 seconds. Freshman Katie Gabet was the fastest with a 33.2.
Other fun races were the class relays in which teams from each class, gender, and alumni raced each other in the 200 medley relay. The men's sophomore class cheated, with members John Erickson and Dan Donato donning fins. Even cheating, they were unable to overcome the superior senior class.
All the swimmers once again swam well, giving the team a long, but good day. Watch for Erickson, Hillenmeyer, and Keltz at nationals next month.
