Illinois Wesleyan’s swimming and diving team broke five IWU record finishing up their CCIW Championships on February 22nd in Pleasant Prairie, Wis.
Sophomore Ellen Gilbert was honored as the “Most Valuable Swimmer” on the women’s team finishing as the CCIW champion in the 200-yard butterfly at 2:02.71 recording a personal season-best.
“I plan to keep National qualifier Ellen Gilbert company at a couple of practices before I officially hang up my suit for the year,” Senior Annie Meyers said.
Meyers finished off her career taking fourth in the Women’s 200-yard butterfly.
Walking away with as a CCIW champion sophomore Mason McCauley set the new IWU school record at 15:59.74 in the 1650-yard freestyle.
McCauley proved a powerful opponent in the 1000-yard freestyle as well, setting another IWU record 9:40.89 passing Chris Betzle’s previously held record.
Senior Will Garcia finished up the competition right behind McCauley in the 1650-yard freestyle with a time of 16:27.55 clinching second place.
“Finishing my last race was a completely surreal experience. Touching the wall for a final time and looking up at my teammates erased any feeling of regret or sadness. I looked up at the 3 underclassmen and felt content about my IWU swimming experience,” Garcia said.
Dillon Cherwin, Shannon Pinto, Garcia and McCauley all competed in the 400-yard freestyle relay team finishing at 3:10.01 breaking IWU’s previous record.
Throughout the season, the Titans broke 13 IWU school records and recorded seven championship titles in the CCIW Championships the most in Titan history.
“Never give up, even when you think you can’t give anymore. If you preserve and give your all, the program will reward you immensely,” Senior Amber Gauthier said.
“Embrace your teammates and connect with them. They will be your support system during and after, ” Gauthier said.
Gauthier finished up her season with third-place finishes in both the Women’s one-meter dive and the women’s three-meter dive.
The Titans will compete March 18-22 in the NCAA Division III Championships in Greensboro, N.C.