The event that took place in the Aquatic Center Friday evening might have been one of the few times all season where individual and team performances weren't the most important goal for the Bobcats.
In the swimming and diving team's annual Intra-Squad Scrimmage, the White squad defeated the Green 114-107, but coach Greg Werner said the final result was not to be the only lesson taken from the day.
(The event) is really important
he said. The athletes had fun out there and that is a lot more important than the actual results or actual performances. This is the time of year where you really define what type of team you're going to be.
As athletes stood poolside waiting for the swimming and diving team's annual Intra-Squad meet to begin, tattoos with sayings like Green Machine were visible on arms and backs, and the mood of the building was jovial.
It was obvious the team was having fun, but the performances turned in by the team proved that fun wasn't the only thing on its mind.
To see them turn all this bonding and teamwork over to the competition without us directing them as a staff is a very satisfying thing Werner said. It's great.
The event featured two balanced rosters filled with both returning point-getters and newcomers looking to make an impact on a Bobcat squad that finished the season 10-2 and placed third at the MAC Championships last spring.
Two underclassmen led the way for the White, as Mary Rose Hillstrom and Anastasia Bocharnikova had impressive performances off the diving board and in the pool.
Hillstrom, a sophomore, won the 3-meter dive and placed second in the 1-meter. Bocharnikova, a freshman from Russia, put together an impressive debut performance, capturing wins in the 200-yard IM and 100-yard backstroke. Her split of 25.39 seconds in the 200-yard medley was the fastest of the race.
Senior Rachel Heim, last year's MAC Co-Swimmer of the Year, led the way for the Green, winning the 200-yard freestyle and 100-yard freestyle while also swimming the third leg in the 200-yard medley relay.
I told the team
this is a start
Werner said. No matter what you did- great swim
bad swim
great dive
bad dive
this is where it all starts. This is where we get a benchmark.
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