The men’s and women’s swim and dive teams finished their senior day by setting new records and making program history with victories over the University of Mount Union and The College of Wooster. Saturday’s match-up at Robert Carr Pool was highlighted by a memorable first time win for the Yeowomen over Wooster — a 149–148 nail-biter victory. The energy in the pool was palpable as Oberlin’s graduating class of 16 seniors took center stage, supported by teammates, friends, and family in the stands.
“Preparing for senior night was about more than just the training,” fourth-year Bridget Duquette said. “Having family and loved ones cheering from the stands added a level of motivation we don’t always get. Sharing the deck with the graduating class of 2024 highlighted how this team extends beyond the pool and even beyond Oberlin. It’s a community and a family that we’ll carry with us long after we leave.”
For the Yeowomen, the victory over Wooster was not the only cause for celebration. They also triumphed over Mount Union with a 173–114 win. The Yeomen performed just as strongly, ending the meet with a score of 199–197 over Wooster and 167–117 over Mount Union, as well as breaking their first record of the season. Fourth-years Myles Felt, Isaac Viviano, and Erik Fendorf;first-year Zachary Black smashed a 25-year-old record set by Kenyon College in the 200-yard medley relay, clocking in at 1:31.65. The women’s team showcased its talent in the same event, as fourth-years Ava Peyton, Elinor Frost and Isabel Pfaff; first-year Soomin Yoo claimed the top spot with a time of 1:50.57. Their success set the stage for an exceptional day in the pool.
First-year Hailey Hamilton placed third in the women’s 1,000-yard freestyle with a time of 11:27.63. Second-year Chahine Said dominated in the men’s 1,000-yard freestyle, taking first place with an impressive time of 9:47.48. In the 100-yard backstroke, Peyton and second-year Yasmeen Boulakandal achieved a 1-2 finish for the Yeowomen, finishing at 1:00.61 and 1:03.33, respectively. For the men, second-year James Moll delivered a strong third-place finish with a time of 52.75. The 100-yard breaststroke saw two first-years excel, with Andie Kinstle claiming first at 1:10.53 and Yoo close behind at 1:10.65 to place second. The men’s side of the event was equally thrilling, as record-holder Viviano led a podium sweep with a time of 56.94, joined by fourth-year Finley Barber and second-year Charles Matia. Felt continued his strong day with a first-place finish in the 200-yard butterfly, clocking in at 1:54.25. Pfaff placed second in the women’s 50-yard freestyle with a time of 24.58, while Fendorf took first in the men’s 50-yard freestyle with a quick 21.40.
In women’s diving, third-year Winnie Wood led an Oberlin sweep in the 1-meter dive with a score of 158.55, followed closely by second-years Faye Huffman and Elizabeth Huettig. In the men’s competition, second-year Sebastian Lagasse earned second with 158.02 points and fourth-year Jackson Bartlett placed fourth. Wood and Lagasse each claimed victory in the 3-meter dive as well, adding another blue ribbon to their season tallies.
Second-year Ari Marrero reflected on the dedication that helped drive the team to its historic wins, noting the commitment to rigorous practice schedules and the support within the team.
“The team’s historic win on Saturday was because of the dedication that the team has to each other,” Marrero said. “This team understands that though this is an individual sport, it is nothing without the support of every member involved. [We] celebrate wins together and give support when support is necessary.”
The meet’s final event, the 200-yard freestyle relay, capped off the day on a high note. The Yeowomen’s A team of Peyton, Pfaff, Frost, and third-year Nyrobi Whitfield claimed the top spot with a time of 1:39.36, sealing their victory over Wooster. For the men, Black, Felt, Fendorf, and first-year John Polylogidis brought home the win with a time of 1:25.79. As Oberlin’s swimmers prepare for their next meet, they’ll look to carry over the momentum from a victory-filled senior day. The Yeowomen’s historic win, the men’s record-breaking performance, and the electrifying support from fans all contributed to a meet that will be remembered long after the season concludes.
“This was our hype meet,” Duquette said. “Unfortunately, our meets don’t generally get too many fans, but it means so much to us to have people show up, and it really does affect us.”
Oberlin jumps back into the water Saturday, Nov. 16, when they travel to central Ohio to take on Denison University in a dual meet.
