The Observer, March 23, 2007
Volume XXXIX, Issue 21
Rodjom, Erickson finish careers All-Americans
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At the 2007 NCAA Division III Swimming and Diving Championships in Houston, three Spartans performed spectacularly and represented the University Athletic Association and Case in stellar fashion. Junior Lauren Preyss, graduate student Pat Rodjom, and senior John Erickson made the trek. The two men had made the trip to nationals in previous years. As for Preyss, her first appearance at Division III nationals resulted in an All-American honor, a distinction that she had previously earned in Division I.
As the 2007 UAA Female Swimmer of the Year, Preyss was highly ranked in four different events and swam in the 50-, 100-, and 200-yard freestyle races. With faster times than had been achieved all season, Preyss finished in the top four in all of her events at the University of Houston.
In the men's water, both participants from Case were All-Americans – Rodjom in the 100-yard breaststroke and Erickson in the 50-yard freestyle.
"I was thrilled to make it back to the finals in the 50-yard free[style] and to receive All-American recognition in that event," said Erickson. "That has been a goal of mine for the last few years, and it was great to finally step up on those blocks at finals and swim to a new team record."
The teams did not qualify any relays for nationals, which had been a goal for the season. However, the young talent really grew throughout the year. Working on a team without depth hurt their chances, but the personal and team best times throughout the year showed the potential of the team with a few additions.
"All season, we went against the toughest competition in Division III swimming," Rodjom said. "Some big-time relay and individual swims showed that we can compete with the best teams, and we're only going to improve more as our young swimmers continue to improve."
Erickson and Rodjom both swam in their last meet as Spartans and have fond memories. They both felt lucky to have been a part of a terrific team and friendship. When they were given the opportunity to go out on top as All-Americans together in Houston, they were very thankful. Asked whether or not there were regrets, it is obvious that both swimmers put all of their efforts into this last event.
"I was striving to get the team record in the 100-yard freestyle and I just missed it by two tenths of a second," Erickson said. "I was disappointed, but I definitely gave it my all in that race. I blacked out as I finished and collapsed when I got out of the pool."
Having these exemplary swimmers as role models, the rest of the team will have the opportunity to grow stronger in the off-season and reach the goal of national qualifications for the relay teams in 2007-2008.
