Saturday’s successful meet held special significance for the senior members of the men’s and women’s swimming and diving squads. It was the final home meet of their careers at TCU.
“It’s always good to go out on top,” said senior swimmer Jason Hauck. “I’ve been swimming and participating in meets here for four years, so it’s sort of strange knowing I’m not going to be coming back, but it’s a good way to go out.”
The H20 Frogs swept the three-team meet in the University Recreation Center, defeating squads from San Diego State University and Centenary College of Louisiana.
The women won two matches, defeating conference opponent San Diego State 85-55, and Centenary College by a score of 80-51.
Head swimming coach Richard Sybesma said the women had a good meet overall, winning 14 out of 16 events.
“The girls really swam well,” Sybesma said. “It wasn’t quite as an emotional meet as the Utah meet, but we won on talent today, and they rose to the occasion. Plus, when you go 1-2-3 in events, that’s huge points.”
Sophomore Maria Alvarez continued her recent hot streak, winning the 500-yard and 1000-yard freestyle heats. Sophomore Brittney Martinez also won in the 100- and 200-yard backstroke events.
Martinez said the support of her teammates helped her and the team in their victories this season.
“Our team is exceptional this year,” Martinez said. “It’s really been fun this year. We really feed off each other. The boys feed off of us, and we feed off of them.”
The men also defeated Centenary College, 82-48.
Freshman newcomer Laszlo Gyurko had a big meet, notching victories in the 50-yard and 500-yard freestyle events.
Sybesma said Gyurko’s performance impressed him, especially after his condition the day before.
“Yesterday, he was saying that he was tired and didn’t feel right,” Sybesma said. “Then today he busts out and does so well.”
The University of New Mexico, another conference rival, is up next for the women’s team, which will travel to Albuquerque, New Mexico, for a meet Friday. New Mexico doesn’t have a men’s swimming and diving team.