ST. MARY'S CITY, Md. – St. Mary's College of Maryland's men's swim team concluded the 2024 Atlantic East Conference Men's Swimming Championships on a high note, securing a second-place finish in the six-team field, their best since joining the Atlantic East in 2020-21. The Seahawks tallied 701 points, marking a significant achievement for the team and its coaching staff, led by eighth-year Head Coach Casey Brandt. The event also saw junior Luke Schwenk from Annapolis, Md., repeating as the Atlantic East Conference Men's Swimmer of the Year.
Schwenk's performance was a highlight of the championships, as he clinched five gold medals and two silver, setting six championship meet records, six conference records, and six school records. Notably, Schwenk achieved NCAA B cuts in the 50 freestyle and 100 freestyle, with his 50 freestyle time of 19.86 being the top time in Division III. His achievements underscored a remarkable contribution to the Seahawks' success.
The championships were not just about individual success; they also highlighted the team's depth and potential. Sophomore Robert Shively from Potomac, Md., received the Elite 20 Award, showcasing the academic and athletic excellence represented by St. Mary's College athletes.
Throughout the four-day event, St. Mary's swimmers set new benchmarks. Schwenk's gold in the 100 freestyle with a time of 44.26, breaking his record from 2022, was a standout moment. Shively also made waves by winning the 200 butterfly, narrowly beating his previous record by 0.01 seconds, setting new records for the school, conference, and championship meet.
The Seahawks saw impressive performances from their first-year athletes as well. Daniel Madigan, Kyle Smith, CB Jurado, and others contributed valuable points to the team's tally, showcasing the bright future of St. Mary's swimming. The 400-freestyle relay team, composed of Anthony Davis, Smith, sophomore William Kendrick, and Schwenk, secured a second-place finish, demonstrating the team's competitive spirit and cohesion.
The event was a testament to the athletes' hard work and the dedication of the coaching staff, who were recognized as the AEC Men's Coaching Staff of the Year. This accolade reflects the team's growth under their guidance and the strategic approach leading to a consistent performance at the conference level.
As St. Mary's College looks to build on this success, the foundation laid by athletes like Schwenk and Shively and the promising new talent suggest a bright future for the Seahawks in collegiate swimming. The achievements at the 2024 Atlantic East Conference Men's Swimming Championships not only celebrate individual excellence but also underscore the collective effort and resilience of the St. Mary's College men's swim team.
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