By Alex Pijanowski | Staff Writer

The Lords and Ladies swimming and diving teams hosted 25 other collegiate programs at the Fast Chance Invitational this past Saturday, Feb. 23. The Invitational is traditionally unscored, and serves as the final competitive opportunity for athletes who have not yet qualified for the national meet. Swimmers aimed to reach “B” cuts, which are standards set by the NCAA that determine who can participate in the national championships come March. Despite the informal character of the meet, Kenyon’s teams excelled.

“I did think we took advantage of our opportunities this weekend, and I was pleased to see people racing,” Head Coach Jess Book ’01 said. “I think we’re going to have a competitive team, and that’s exciting.”

Members of the men’s team who earned “B” cuts included Oscar Anderson ’17, Austin Caldwell ’15, Brad Cowan ’14, Joe Guilfoyle ’15, Kyle McDonald ’15 and Ambert Sawaya ’17. Caldwell won the 50-yard freestyle.

Hillary Yarosh ’14 won and earned a national “B” cut in the 500-yard freestyle relay. Ellie Crawford ’17 won the 200-yard breaststroke in a qualifying time of 2:20.70. Other athletes earning “B” cuts included Erika Jensen ’17, Katie Kaestner ’16, Taylor McLaughlin ’15, Meaghan McLaughlin ’15, Taylor Maurer ’17, Hailey Schneider ’14 and Emma Stewart-Bates ’17.

Regionals for diving will be held next weekend, and the national meet begins on Wednesday, March 19 in Indianapolis.