This year, mother nature got a little too excited and dusted a small amount of snow before the weekend even started. Luckily, she was only teasing us, lightly coating the trees, streets and ground with a few inches that quickly melted before our coaches, swimmers and fans arrived.
Without the worry of the weather, we were able to fully concentrate on the meet. The Lady Reds picked up a handful of wins in addition to the first place finish of the four team meet. This two-day pre-lim/ final meet included Lake Forest College, St.Olaf College, and Ripon College.
Although we didn't rest very much for this meet, we did put in very impressive times for the weekend. Winning four events, Junior Amanda Croix broke pool, meet, and school records in the 50, 200 and 500 respectively. Setting a pool record in pre-lims in the 100 free, Croix also turned in fast enough times to be recognized as NCAA cuts, one of which places her at the top of DIII nationally. This native of Bradley, Illinois wasn't the only to impress the crowd. Junior Michelle Pelka also won four events: 100 and 200 butterfly and the 200 and 400 Individual Medleys. Pelka's winning time in the 400 IM (4:36.66) broke the meet record. It also gave her a NCAA cut. Junior Lisa Tiltges (St. Charles, Ill.) also performed outstandingly, turning in two first place finishes in the 100 and 200 breaststroke.
The College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin awarded Michelle Pelka as Swimmer of the Week last week (Dec. 8th). Congrats!
After eleven weeks of training, this FINAL week of FINALS has everyone anxious for the end of the semester, Christmas break and a week long swim-cation in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. What more could one want than no more classes, holiday gatherings, Christmas cookies, gift-wrapping, eggnog, warm weather and swimming!?
