While most of Whitman’s campus has been hibernating due to the cold, watching the snow and drinking hot chocolate, the Whitman swimming teams traveled to the University of Puget Sound to compete in the Logger Invitational.

The meet, which was held from Dec. 2 to Dec. 4, saw swimmers on both the men’s and women’s teams find success in individual and team races. For the men’s team, seasoned athlete Tanner Filion took the victory in the 200 yd backstroke. The relay teams took first place in the 400 yd medley relay and third place in both the 200 yd medley relay and 400 yd free relay.

Senior Daniel Bloor noted that for many of the races, the team would be watching from the sidelines and cheering on their teammates.

“A standout moment for me during the meet was the crowd behind Andrew Hanson’s lane for his 200 IM. He did so [well] in that race too,” Bloor said.

The women’s team also racked up some wins. Senior Katie Kirk took third place in the 400 yd free relay along with teammates Anneliese Hanson, Erin McKinney and Shaye Agnew. Kirk was especially proud with the performance of her teammates on the women’s team. 

“There were so many standout swims this meet. Senior Asta Liffick had some incredible time drops. She is such a hard worker and deserves it so much,” Kirk said. “Shaye Agnew broke a 24 in her 50 free, which, for any non-swimmers, is a big deal and very speedy. Junior Erin McKinney, senior Natalie Ritter and freshman Josie Piel went first, second and third in the 200 breaststroke. [It was] so much fun to watch.”

Kirk currently has an injury, which is preventing her from swimming in her usual distance events. However, Kirk took this time to try out some new races.

“This meet I was able to try some sprint events, which was a fun experience. Senior Emily Hoffmeister and sophomore Bella Smith gave me some really good advice [on] how to sprint and helped me get those times,” Kirk said.

Senior Tanner Filion was particularly impressed with the performances of his teammates over the course of this meet.

“We had some amazing swims from people who stepped up to the plate,” Filion said. “Aaron Friedrich dropped 2 seconds for a season best. Ella Hill swam amazing; she had some great times and played a huge role in the relays.”

For Bloor, Kirk and Filion, it is the support of other members of the team that makes swim meets so enjoyable.

“I love this team and the support we have. People came up to me before my races and talked to me, which was great. Our cheering is still the best in the conference [and] probably [in all of] D3 honestly,” Bloor said. “Our coaches are always there for us and are always so proud of our swims, no matter how our races go.”

While the fall swimming season has come to a close, the team looks forward to returning to the pool in the spring. To keep up to date on future meets, you can check the schedule on the Whitman Athletics website.