Looking to gain some momentum in their final meet the regular season before beginning the Summit League Championships (Feb. 17-20), the Eastern Illinois men’s & women’s swimming teams earned a combined 13 first place finishes in their dual meet against Saint Louis. The overall scores ended in favor of the Billikens for both the men and women. The score of the men’s competition was 93-177, while the score of the women’s division was 110-165.
Teammates Jake Roberts and Steve Fishman had a strong showing in the dual meet against Saint Louis as both members earned a pair of first place finishes in their respective events. Roberts touched the wall first in the men’s 1000-yard freestyle (10:09.00) and again in the 500-yard freestyle (4:54.78). Fishman earned his honors in the 50-yard freestyle (21.90) and the 200-yard backstroke (1:56.39).
Matt Jacobs and Brogan O’Doherty were the other EIU men to be awarded a first place honor. O’Doherty earned his in the 100-yard backstroke (51.54) and Jacobs in the 200-yard breaststroke (2:12.53).
The EIU men ended the night well as Stephen Truchon and Shane Witzki joined O’Doherty and Fishman in the men’s 200-yard freestyle relay. The group of four swam the fastest time in the event at 1:26.70.
Six EIU women claimed individual first place honors. Joann Wakefield finished with the top mark in the 100-yard breaststroke (1:09.39). Paige Eavenson earned hers in the 200-yard butterfly (2:16.84), while Kaylee Morris was victorious in the 50-yard freestyle (24.69). Lauren Oostman the 200-yard backstroke first overall (2:09.45), with teammate Kelsey Ferguson following suit in the 200-yard breaststroke (2:29.25). Fallyn Schwake rounded out the top finishes for the EIU women with one of her own in the 500-yard freestyle (5:24.95).
The EIU swimming teams will take the next two weeks to prepare for the Summit League Championships that will take place on Feb. 17-20. The championships will be hosted by IUPUI.
