By Paul Meara
After leading for almost the entire conference championship, the Ohio Bobcats closed out the deal Saturday night, winning the 2011 MAC title and bringing another championship home to Athens.
All year it had been depth that propelled Ohio University swimming and diving to success and tonight was no exception as everyone made a splash in the pool… yes everyone.
After being announced MAC Champions for the first time since 2008, almost every swimmer, diver, assistant, trainer, and even coach, jumped off the 3-meter board in full dress to celebrate.
“It felt great,” said Ohio coach Greg Werner. “It was quite refreshing and quite satisfying.”
Ohio was named victorious after out dueling what turned into a two-horse race between the Bobcats and defending MAC Champion Toledo Rockets.
With a final tally of 669.5 points, Ohio secured their 11th MAC Championship in school history and fourth in the Greg Werner era.
The role of Ohio’s seniors had been a major key all season to the team’s success. As freshmen they won a MAC title and as seniors they did the same. It was only fitting that numerous awards and record setting performances would be the theme of Saturday’s final day action, and it was.
“This senior class has been a tremendous senior class, that’s what I told them before hand,” said Werner. “It’s a really special group.”
Senior Rachel Heim capped off an impressive career setting two school and MAC records in the 100 Butterfly and 200 Butterfly taking home the MAC Championship in both. She also was a member of a 400 Medley Relay team that not only won the MAC title, but is also now qualified to participate in the NCAA Tournament, a feat not accomplished for a MAC relay team in over 18 years.
“It was a great meet,” said Heim. “I think the team earned it, we’ve been working hard all year.”
Senior Lindsay Hamilton finished second in the 3-meter diving final but was named MAC Diver of the Year after her performance in the event sealed the MAC Championship for the Bobcats.
“It’s just really great to see my hard work over the past five years pay off.” Said Hamilton. “It’s one thing to win by yourself, but it’s something special when you do it as a team.”
Ohio entered Saturday’s final day 37 points ahead of Toledo but never relinquished the lead after strong performances in the 200 Backstroke and 200 Butterfly. The Bobcats placed first in each.
Ohio coach Greg Werner was named 2011 MAC Coach of the Year after his team won the title and pointed to balance and depth as the major attributes for victory.
“They bought into what we’re doing,” said Werner “(They) got the ball rolling early in the meet so really for the coach it’s just a matter of getting out of the way and letting them take over and it’s fun when that happens, when they believe and perform.”
MAC Championship Final Results
1. Ohio University: 669.5
2. University of Toledo: 630.5
3. Miami University (OH): 561
4. Eastern Michigan: 385
5. University of Buffalo: 328.5
6. University of Akron: 312.5
7. Bowling Green University: 312.5
8. Ball State University: 261.5
MAC Champions
Lauren Funk: 50 Freestyle (22.78)
Lindsay Hamilton: 1-Meter Diving (300.10*)
Rachel Stearns: 200 Backstroke ?(1:57.20)
Rachel Heim: 100 Butterfly and 200 Butterfly (52.51* and 1:59.39*)
Brooks, Heim, Donovan, Funk: 200 Freestyle Relay (1:30.30)
Stearns, Chomicz, Heim, Funk: 400 Medley Relay (3:39.47*)
* = Set New MAC Record
Ohio Award Winners
Lindsay Hamilton: MAC Diver of the Year
Greg Werner: MAC Head Coach of the Year
