Jacob Phillips | copy editor
Thanks to an influx of freshmen and clutch performances from returning swimmers, Oregon club swimming had one of its best seasons ever.
The Ducks finished 15th overall at the American Swimming Association National Championships held at Miami University of Ohio. Oregon sent seven men and 11 women.
The Ducks were propelled to their 15th place finish by senior Ben Metcalfe, who gave an especially strong performance. He finished second, fourth and second in the 25, 50 and 100-yard breaststroke, respectively. He qualified for nine total events.
“He’s really exciting to watch swim,” said teammate Chris Renggli.
It was the first time an Oregon swimmer has medaled at the national championships.
“It was a fun meet, and the competition really motivated me to do more,” said Metcalfe.
Metcalfe lost in the 25-yard breaststroke to Bryan Kim, a member of the 1996, 2000, and 2004 Korean Olympic teams. Kim also swam at the University of Florida from 1997 to 2001.
Freshman Nick Wells was also a crucial part of Oregon’s success. His unexpected prowess in distance swimming helped place Oregon in the top 15.
“He’s quietly becoming our ace in the hole,” said Renggli. “He drops huge chunks of time every time he races and scores a lot of points for us.”
Wells found himself having to catch up quickly in making the transition from high school to college swimming. He was unfamiliar with distance swimming and struggled at first.
“I wasn’t in shape at all. In high school we didn’t work out as much as we do in club, and I had never swam the mile,” said Wells. “But I found myself having fun getting motivation from the team and coach.”
Wells finished seventh in the mile.
The men’s 200 and 400 medley relay and 200 and 400 freestyle relay scored points for the Ducks as well. Renggli, Metcalfe, Thurston Hertler and Alex Herman swam in all four relays.
On the women’s side, Brita Anderson and Sidney McLaren scored points at the national meet. McLaren finished fourth in the 25-yard breaststroke and Anderson finished 13th in the mile.
The future looks promising for the women, who return all their point-scorers next year.
Next year, the men return all swimmers who went to nationals. They are poised to make a jump in the standings. Though a senior, Metcalfe is going to graduate school at the University, meaning he can still swim next year for Oregon. Oregon’s goal next year is a top-10 finish.
“I’m really proud of what we accomplished this year,” said Wells. “If we have the same enthusiasm next year, we can do it.”
Oregon has one last meet at Western Oregon University on April 27. It is an exhibition.
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