by Eric Willuweit

Elsah, Ill. - A pair of third place finishes for both the men's and women's teams started day one of the the 2023 Liberal Arts Championships for the Illinois Tech swimming and diving team.

In the opening event of the conference championships, the women's A team for the 800-yard freestyle relay consisting of Anna Slominski, Emma Dutkiewicz, Raven Anich and Kristen Hampton took third place with a time of 8:02.06. Within the race, Slominski broke the 200-yard freestyle record as the lead-off leg on the A relay team. In addition, first-year Anich recorded her person-best 200-yard freestyle time during the event at 1:58.80.

On the men's side, the A team of Mark Klinchin, Cameron Kramer, David Halmy and River Maners took third with a time of 7:02.95. Klinchin led off the relay with a time of 1:43.99. On the B relay team, Samuel Kalenowski recorded his best 200-yard freestyle time, finishing with a time of 1:48.71 as the anchor of the B team.

Coach's Comments:

"We saw a lot of great relay swims across the board tonight" said Assistant Swimming & Diving Coach Julian Escasa. "Each athlete took advantage of their taper to kick off the meet in a fast manner. We are looking forward to building this momentum over the course of the next three days" said Escasa

"As the nerves continue to settle, this first day will become a springboard for a fast rest of the meet" said Assistant Swimming & Diving Coach Mac Robertson.

Both the men's and women's teams will be back in action for day 2. Events will include the 200-yard freestyle relay, the 500-yard freestyle, the 200-yard Individual Medley, the 50-yard freestyle, the 400-yard medley relay, women's 1-meter diving and men's 3-meter diving. Results can be found on the Swimming & Diving home page as well as the live-stream for the championships.