This weekend, the Elizabethtown College men’s and women’s swim teams are geared up for the Middle Atlantic Conference Championships in Wilkes-Barre. Although neither team has had the best of seasons there is still much to look forward to from the teams’ top swimmers.
On the men’s side, the team came out with a win over King’s College in their last meet on Jan. 26, through sophomore Frank Capria’s victory in three events, junior Andrew Malik’s win in the 200 free and senior Ryan Hannon’s victory in the 200 backstroke. First-year Matt Jensen also had a solid performance against King’s College, finishing in second behind Hannon in the 200 yard backstroke.
Hannon, one of the men’s captains, feels that the team has swimmers who are poised to have a great run during the championships this weekend. “Two swimmers in my mind that have the potential to break out this weekend are Frank Capria and Andrew Malik,” Hannon said. Hannon’s talk with the team leading up to this weekend has been nothing but positive feedback. “Everyone is doing their best, we have been looking good in the past few weeks so I expect the best from the team,” Hannon said.
On the women’s side, senior Jenny Malik had a solid showing, winning the 50 yard freestyle for the ninth time in twelve meets. Sophomore Becki Lane finished second in the event right behind Jenny Malik. First-year Rachel Engelhardt won her meet for the Blue Jays as the Horsham, Pa. native finished with a time of 2:07.97 in the 200 free.
The team has been tapering, so that the team is rested up for the team’s final meet of the season. Senior captain Kelly Frace, who will be cheering on the team this weekend, feels proud of what she has done with the team. “I definitely feel that it is a big accomplishment and I am fortunate to have competed for four years. I will miss the companionship that I had with everyone on the team,” Frace said. Frace believes that this year’s senior class will step up on the biggest stage and go out with a great performance this weekend. “Overall, we have a strong team, but I feel that will be a senior class that will have a great meet this weekend,” Frace said.
With this being his final meet of his college career, Hannon is looking to finish strong. “My goal is to get two top eight finishes in the 100 and 200 backstroke. I want to go out on top and do the best that I can this weekend,” Hannon said. Jenny Malik explained her goals for the team this weekend, stating, “We’re just looking to have people drop times in their respective events.”
Jenny Malik, who will be competing in the 50, 100 and 200 free, is also competing in the final meet of her collegiate career. “I loved swimming here. It was a great way to make friends,” she said. “I can’t believe it’s going to be over. It’s kept me on track, focused and determined.”