The swim and dive team celebrated its seniors at their final meet before the Little East Conference (LEC) championship on Jan. 28. Among the seniors being celebrated were Cole Quinn, Emma Stelzner, Emily Rogers, Laura Chaffee, and captain Jaelin Jang. The Owls rose above and delivered a powerful performance against Plymouth State and Rhode Island College, both teams emerging victorious.
The men won 212-46 against the Panthers, and the women walked away with two victories in a double-dual meet against RIC and Plymouth 235- 50 and 237-50, respectively.
Strong performances also earned Jang and fifth-year Quint Kimmel swimmer of the week honors from the LEC, announced on Jan. 30. This was Kimmel’s first time receiving the honor, and Jang’s third this season. As a senior and captain, Jang said she hopes that she made a positive impact on the swim team, just like it did on her.
“Something that I’ll miss most about competing for Keene State is the team and environment,” she said. “Nothing will compare to the atmosphere and support the Keene State swim team brings to the pool deck on a meet day and I’m glad I got to experience it and be a part of it.” Head coach Chris Woolridge said that it is always emotional to see how much swimmers have matured by the time they prepare to move on from Keene State.
“As they develop from freshmen trying to find their place, to confident leaders who have built strong relationships with their teammates and coaches, they are the driving force behind continuing our approach to the sport and season,” he said. “While watching this process is one of the most rewarding parts of my coaching career, I am always sad to see these student athletes move on to the next phase in their lives.”
The swim and dive team will be heading to Wellesley, Mass. Feb. 17-19 for the LEC championship at the Boston Sports Institute.
Piper Pavelich can be contacted
at ppavelich@kscequinox.com
