WASHINGTON,DC--Gallaudet Women and Men’s Swimming demonstrated it was ready for mid-February’s Capital Athletic Conference (CAC) Championships with a series of impressive swims over the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday weekend at the Field House Pool.   The men started the winning streak on Saturday with an exciting 94-88 over CAC rival Hood College.

“We’re in the ‘playoffs’ now,” said head coach Bill Snape.  “Our goal is to ensure that every one of our swimmers improves at Championships.  Today was a great way to say thanks to our seniors, but even their jobs are not yet finished.” 

Senior men’s co-captain David Torres anchored the medley relay victory over Hood.  His fellow senior co-captain, Ryan Kobylarz, had perhaps the finest meet of his career against Hood, helping out with two relay victories and winning a pivotal 100 Fly Race (1:02.16). 

Yet even as the seniors duly starred, a new generation of Gallaudet swimmers was impossible to ignore.  Freshman sensation Jimmy McGowan continued to dominate, and fellow freshman Daniel DiDonna (two relay wins). McGowan lowered two of his own Gallaudet team records in the 50 Free (23.09) and 100 Back (56.81) while winning two events.

Other winners included Clayton Anderson in the men’s medley relay and Kris Lauderbaugh in the men’s free relay. Additional point winners were junior Tyler DeShaw (Washington) with ten; junior Joseph Lopez (California) with nine; junior Scott Cohen (Hawaii) with seven; and junior Vincent DiMare (Texas) with five. 

 The men finish their dual meet season at 3-6 while the women close out at 4-7.  Seven wins is the highest wins total for the Gallaudet Swim Team in several decades.  CAC Swim Championships will occur February 15-17 at St. Mary’s College in Maryland.   All alumni, family members and boosters are encouraged to attend and cheer the Aqua-Bison on!