The Wabash swim team's annual holiday sojourn to Florida was highlighted by a 123-71 victory over Bates College in Maine. The outdoor meet was also a chance for the Little Giant swimmers to face off against their former head coach.
Peter Casares left Wabash two years ago to return to the East Coast, taking over as head coach of Bates. When John Weitz, the current coach of the Little Giant program, learned his team and Bates would be in the same area during their winter break trips it set up the opportunity for a reunion.
"It was great for me and for the team to get to see Peter once again," Weitz said. "I also think it was fun for Peter to see a lot of the guys he recruited and to spend some time with them. We also enjoyed seeing his new team and getting a chance to swim against them."
The meet capped a 10-day period of intense training for the Little Giants.
"I was very impressed with our effort after working so hard during our time here in Florida," Weitz said. "Everyone is very sore and tired from all of the training programs we've gone through. We really raced extremely well. We were in an outdoor pool, which doesn't make it a 'fast' pool, but the guys really worked hard. I think there may have been a little extra motivation to show their former coach what they're doing."
David Birrer produced a lifetime competition-best time while winning the 100 butterfly, touching the wall in 54.60. Senior Jordon Blackwell won the 50 free with a time of 22.20 and the 100 free in 48.9. Evan Rhinesmith picked up a win in the 200 individual medley (2:06), then posted his best time of the year with a mark of 1:01.8 while taking the top spot in the 100 breaststroke.
Elijah Sanders returned to form after being slowed by injuries in the fall to win the 1000 free with a time of 10:28. Craig Vetor scored a victory in the 200 free (1:49), as did Nick Rockefeller in the 100 backstroke (58.00). Wabash closed the meet by winning the 200 freestyle relay with a time of 1:28.8.
The Thursday meet also featured Casares' squad taking on the St. Mary's women's team. Former Wabash swimmer Ryan Dombkowski '00 turned over the head coaching duties to his wife, Alicia, this year but still serves as an assistant to the team. The Belles needed to take first and second in the final relay to overtake Bates and win the women's portion of the meet.
Wabash returns to campus this weekend. The Little Giants will travel to St. Louis Wednesday evening for a 6 p.m. dual meet against Washington University - St. Louis.