Jacksonville, IL – The Principia College men's swimming team started their season by visiting Illinois College, where they swam against both the host and Knox College. The men won against Knox (73 – 21) but a loss to Illinois College (34 – 142). There were some excellent swims and competitive races throughout the meet, and the results were a good start for the men.
The men started their scoring in the 200 Free where senior captain Thomas Rauschenberger took 2nd with a 2:05.20, just missing his lifetime best by .35 of a second. The 100 Breast saw the men go 2-3 overall, with freshman Wyatt Shipp getting 2nd with a 1:16.98 and senior Tyler Williams getting 3rd with a 1:23.62. The 50 Free saw Rauschenberger swim another 2nd place overall with a 24.71, Williams earning 4th with a 26.62, which is an in-season best time for him and Shipp swimming a 28.50, good for 5th place.
After a short break, all three were back in action in the 100 Free. Rauschenberger again took second, this time with a 55.91. Williams swam to a lifetime best time, breaking 1 min for the first time with a 59.26, while Shipp finished with a 1:08.19. In the 200 Breast a few events later, Shipp took second with a 2:59.19 while Williams took 3rd in 3:16.49. Rauschenberger finished scoring for the men in the 100 Fly, where is 1:01.76 was good enough for another 2nd place overall.
The men made a reasonable effort, a solid start to the season, and an excellent way to pick up their first win.
Up Next: The men will be back in action on Nov 12 & 13 when they have their home opener against Lincoln College, Sterling College, and Williams Baptist University. Friday the 12th will start at 6 p and Saturday the 13th will begin at noon.
