Cortland hit the road for SUNYACS last Tuesday for a long and stressful week ahead of them. While Cortland experienced many outstanding performances and victories all around, they faced many unexpected obstacles throughout the meet that they were challenged to overcome.
However, Cortland came in with high energy, motivation and determination that did not let these obstacles get in the way of their chance to become champions.
Cortland began and ended the meet with unmatched energy from team chants, cheering on teammates, parents support in the stands, embracing the seniors at the end of their last races, intense relay competitions, and an overall sense of motivation that spread throughout the pool deck.
This energy and determination led to many remarkable performances and swims for many across the team. Senior Makiah Poli ended his career breaking the school record in the 200IM with a time of 1:53.89. “Breaking the 200 IM record was the perfect way to end my career as a swimmer – I couldn’t be happier” Poli optimistically states.
The men’s 200 free relay placed 1st with a quick time of 1:23.62 and all the men’s 800 free relay, 200 medley relay, 400 free relay, and 400 medley relay.
Junior, Kellen Dickman placed 1st in the 100 butterfly with a time of 50.17.
The women’s team equally crushed it in the pool as well. Diver and Sophomore Alyssa Haberlack placed first on 1Meter and Freshmen Diver Megan Mclaughlin placed first on 3Meter.
Sophomore Ella Garrow swept both of her breastroke events, placing first in both the 100 and 200 breast.
Junior, Julia Bryce crushed it in her 200-butterfly placing first with a time of 2:11.07 and placed 2nd in the 200IM.
The girls 800 free relay placed 2nd overall with a time of 7:59.16.
Senior, Leah Bernhardt placed first in all three of her events 200 free with a 1:54.88, the 500 free with a 5:09.32 and the 1650 free with a 17:51.92.
Overall, the team did amazing all around. “I’m proud of both teams and the way that they performed under pressure. It is gratifying when hard work pays off.” says head coach Brian Tobin.
After a long and eventful week, The Cortland swimming and diving team took home the SUNYAC All-Conference championship title!
Both the women’s team and men’s team won the SUNYAC conference as well as the overall meet earning the SUNYAC-AMCC championship title.
This is the first time since the men’s team has won the conference meet since 2013 and the first time for the women since 1989!