GALLAUDET SWIMMING DROPS FIRST SEVERAL MEETS, BUT NEW
SWIMMERS SHINE: Sophomore Stars Show No Sign
of Letting Up
Field House (November 6) -- Although the Gallaudet Aqua-Bison
have lost their first three meets of the season to Mary Washington,
Salisbury and Goucher, respectively, the swim team has already
recorded many personal best times and confirmed the star power of
two of their top swimmers.
On Saturday November 1, the Gallaudet Women lost to Mary
Washington (87-34) and Salisbury (85-36) while the Gallaudet Men
lost to the same two teams 95-26 and 91-30. Over one-half
dozen Gally swimmers were competing in their first swim meet
ever -- against two CAC league powerhouses to boot.
Leading the way for Aqua-Bison were sophomore sensations Carlisle
Robinson (Indiana) and Jimmy McGowan (Florida), who each won events
in their first meets of the season after record-setting freshman
campaigns. Robinson beat all swimmers in her 50 Butterfly win
(28.93), which raised the pool's roof from the home team's
faithful; she later followed up with a win in the 100 Fly against
Mary Washington in an excellent early season time of 1:01.82.
McGowan won the 100 Freestyle against Salisbury in 52.01.
On Wednesday November 5, the meet was much tighter versus
Goucher but unfortunately the Gally swimmers couldn't eke out the
victory as the women lost 111-79 and the men 125-79. Despite
the team losses, Robinson won three individual events (200 IM, 500
Free and 100 Breast) and McGowan won two individual events (50 Free
and 100 Back). Another highlight of this competition was the
men's 1-2 finish in the 500 Free as Gallaudet junior Kris
Lauderbaugh (5:47.02) edged freshman teammate Grady Gallagher
(5:47.44). Other outstanding performances were turned in by
senior captain Scott Cohen, who continues to improve every time he
jumps into the pool and senior Cloe Canela, who has added IM and
butterfly to her event repertoire this year in addition to the
freestyle events.
"Over half of the twenty-five swimmers on our team are new this
year," explained head coach Bill Snape. "But all of them have
already scored points for us and that will lead to further
improvement as the season goes on," he continued. "In
addition, several of our relays have already just missed team
records, another positive early season sign."
The Aqua-Bison's next meet is at York College on Saturday
November 15, in a double dual meet that also includes Penn
State-Altoona.
