Nov. 6, 2006

The Grand Valley men's and women's swimming and diving teams posted a victorious performance against Wheaton College and Calvin College on Saturday. The men's team defeated Wheaton 140-96 and Calvin 159-83. The women conquered Wheaton 120-102, but fell to Calvin 126-115. Overall, the men tallied eight first place finishes for the Lakers while the women added five. The Lakers will travel to Clarion University on Nov. 18 and 19.

Joel Overway led the Lakers winning the one-meter dive recording 275.18 points. He went on to earn a first place finish in the three-meter dive after being awarded 260.13 points. Ryan Smith followed Overway in both events, recording 231.83 in the one-meter dive and 217.08 three-meter dive.

The Lakers were victorious in the 400-yard medley relay as Evan Kobes, Justin Barkel, Kyle Barrons and Justin Vasquez concluded the event in 3:32.58. Ross Perry and Ryan Kraai aided to the Lakers' triumph, both placing first and third in the 1000-yard freestyle, respectively. Matt Witkowski gave a championship performance as he swam to finish first in the 200-yard freestyle with a time of 1:46.12, and placing second in the 500-yard freestyle.

Justin Vasquez won the 200-yard IM clocking in at 2:00.38. Vasquez was also part of the 400-yard freestyle relay comprised of Dan Kimble, Matt Witkowski and Kyle Barrons who took first for the Lakers, finishing in 3:14.17. Justin Barkel, Chris Conner and Hans Hill took first, second and third to sweep the 200-yard breaststroke. Barkel clocked a 2:02.69 200-yard IM, finishing third. Paul Tansey also earned a third place finish for the Lakers finishing the 200-yard backstroke in 2:09.58.

On the women's side, Jenna Thayer contributed to the Lakers' success as she finished first in the 200-yard IM and 200-yard butterfly. Alison VanKampen followed Thayer in the 200-yard IM, finishing third. Nina Reynolds finished third in the 200-yard butterfly. Danielle Buglio was victorious in the 200-yard backstroke, racing to a 2:11.14 finish. Buglio, Thayer, VanKampen, along with Allison Scholtz placed second in the 400-yard medley relay finishing in 4:05.48. Alison VanKampen also earned a second place finish in the 200-yard breastroke, followed by Sam Stump who finished third. Katie Lawrie and Megan Hahler took first and second in the 1000-yard freestyle, with times of 10:51.44 and 10:55.43, respectively. Hahler also provided the Lakers with a third place finish in the 500-yard freestyle.

On the board, Raelyn Prelewitz recorded a 243.01 to place fist in the 1-meter dive, while also placing third in the 3-meter dive tallying 207.98 points. The 400-yard freestyle relay of Allison Scholz, Eli Frans, Eli Leskovar and Melissa Fletti concluded the women's performance finishing in 3:45.92 to place third.