CSB Swim and Dive wrap up historic performance at conference meet

Last week, the CSB Swim and Dive team competed at the MIAC Championships in Minneapolis. The Bennies, who finished fifth, had a historic performance. They recorded 10 All-MIAC performances (the most by CSB since 2000), they won eight events (the programs most first place finishes since 1998), set six new school records and scored 467 points, which is the most the team has scored since 2012. Head coach Mandy Wolvert was also named MIAC Women’s Coach of the Year for the first time in her career and junior Haley Zelen was named MIAC Women’s Swimmer of the Year.

Junior Mary Morris, who had multiple individual wins, said the conference meet was really fun with many individual successes and relay performances.

“I think the atmosphere was the most energetic and supportive all season,” Morris said.

Heading into the conference meet, Morris said the team took a training trip to Puerto Rico and increased their training intensity over winter break.

“We also had a lot of team bonding during winter break, which helped us set the tone for how we went into conference,” Morris said.

Morris’ favorite part of the season was when her roommate returned from studying abroad in France and they got to swim with each other again.

Zelen said the regular season went really well for the team. They were able to win some meets and have fun together throughout the season. Zelen was really happy with how the conference meet went.

“They were amazing, I could not be more proud of the team. We won three of the five relays, which our team hasn’t done since 1999. I’m also extremely happy with how I performed and loved our team atmosphere throughout the meet,” Zelen said.

Zelen is now looking ahead to Nationals where she qualified in the 100 butterfly, 100 freestyle and 50 freestyle. The Division III NCAA Swimming Championship will take place March 18-21 in Indiana.

“Right now, I’m back to regular training and lifting until NCAA’s. I’m looking forward to getting to experience it and competing at that level, along with seeing what I can accomplish,” Zelen said.

Senior Megan Bartels had a good feeling heading into the season.

“Based on the team energy and strong incoming team members, we were really excited because we thought it could be a special season,” Bartels said.

With a historical showing at the conference meet, Bartels said the vibe was electric.

“We kicked off night one with a win in the 200 Medley Relay and it just kept building from there. I feel so fortunate to be part of such a historic year and surrounded by so many incredibly talented swim teammates,” Bartels said.

Being her senior season, Bartels is grateful for her four years on the team, saying it was the highlight of her experience at CSB.

“One thing I will hold close to my heart is the community that I have been a part of. This sport has brought amazing people into my life in the form of coaches, teammates, and competitors,” Bartels said.

As she processes her swim career at CSB, Bartels is happy for the experience she had.

“Being a part of Bennie Swim and Dive was about more than just swimming. I appreciate the personal growth that has come from four years of dedication and also the leadership opportunities that have helped prepare me for my next life chapter. No matter what comes next, I know swimming will always be a part of my life,” Bartels said.

Wolvert was also happy with how the regular season went.

“The regular season was strong. The swimmers and divers were very consistent with their training and racing, setting themselves up for a great end of season,” Wolvert said.

In terms of the MIAC Championships, Wolvert said they were historical. Zelen was the first ever CSB MIAC Swimmer of the Year, Morris and Zelen won a total of five events and they won three of five relays. Wolvert said it was very exciting to see the team make history. The team’s goal for the conference meet was to get as many Bennies onto the podium as possible.

“It was fun to see the Bennie Red on the podium event after event,” Wolvert said.

Wolver’s favorite part about coaching this team is watching her athletes accomplish their goals.

“Seeing each of them achieve the goals they set for themselves and their teammates. Seeing the smiles and celebrations at the end of the race makes everything worth it,” Wolvert said.