Jan. 21, 2012
Complete Results
MADISON, Wis. – Coming off an intense trip to Hawaii and Los Angeles, the University of Wisconsin swimming and diving teams returned home to host Green Bay in a final salute to the Badger seniors. UW had a stellar day in the pool as the Badgers finished with the top times in every event en route to a sweep over the Phoenix on Saturday afternoon at the Natatorium.
“This was a good test of our mental and physical toughness,” said Head Coach Whitney Hite. “It’s not easy to travel home from the West Coast coming off 15 days of hard training and hard racing.”
The Badgers proved their time on the West Coast was well spent, as the men blew by Green Bay 123-109, led by solid showings from Dan Lester and Michael Weiss. Lester won the 200 IM with a time of 1:52.61, edging out teammate Tariq Miller (1:53.48). Lester continued his great day with a win in the 200 fly (1:50.73), and another first place finish in the 400 medley relay, combining with teammates Garrett Mulchrone, Miller, and Wes Lagerhausen (3:23.80). Weiss had a fine day of his own, winning the 200 free in 1:39.64 and the 100 free (45:93), while also joining Lagerhausen, Jeff Morris, and Damon Zito in posting the top 200 free relay time of 1:24.98.
On the other side, the Badger women defeated Green Bay 124-93 behind top times from seven different swimmers. Laura Miller won the 200 free (1:51.63), Monika Stitski won the 200 IM (2:06.04), and Ruby Martin won the 200 back with a time of 2:02.73.
Seniors Ashley Wanland, Danielle Beckwith, Beckie Thompson, and Amie Osten all won in their last meet in Madison. Wanland won the 200 breast in 2:15.11, Beckwith posted a top time of 10:06.68 in the 1000 free, and Thompson swam to a first place in the 50 free (23.03). Osten joined Wanland, Rebecka Palm, and Thompson to put the Badgers on top in the 400 medley relay (3:48.61).
“We did a nice job today,” said Hite. “It’s always great to send the seniors out on a high note, and I know it’s a special day for all of them.”
Wisconsin now looks to continue its momentum at the Big Ten Quad Duals in Minneapolis on Friday and Saturday. It’s last tune-up before the Big Ten Championships, and with the way they’re swimming right now, they seem to be peaking at the right time.
“I really like where the team is right now, both physically and mentally,” Hite said. “Without a doubt, this team is exceeding the expectations I had.”
