Wayland Baptist swimming and diving coach Alyson Hannan had goals heading into the season to qualify as many of her student-athletes as early in the season as possible so they could concentrate on improving for nationals. After 13 swimmers automatically qualified and seven other qualified provisionally in Friday’s season-opening duel at the University of Texas of the Permian-Basin, Hannan’s plan begin taking shape.
The duel saw the Wayland men’s team take a narrow 103-102 victory while the women were defeated 112-85. Although both Pioneer teams didn’t come away with wins, Hannan said it was a good start.
“This is the best start we’ve had to a season,” she said. “Everyone swam exceptionally well.”
Everyone played their part, including the freshmen, Hannan added.
“We put (some) freshmen in events they normally don’t do,” she said.
One of the standout performances on the day came from junior Hugo Gallegos, who won both the 50--yard freestyle (22.18 seconds) and the 100 freestyle (48.88).
On the women’s team, freshmen Maria Barrera won the 100 breaststroke (1:10.09) and the 50 freestyle (25.57).
The Pioneers will have some time off to practice and develop before their first home meet of the season on Oct. 23 at the Pete Ragus Center in Lubbock. The Wayland Invitational will feature St. Gregory’s (Okla.), Adams State (Colo.) and a rematch with UTPB.
