GREENSBORO, N.C. – The Queens University of Charlotte men's and women's swim teams traveled to Greensboro, N.C., today to participate in the All-NC Invitational. Teams from both Division I and II participated in this meet held at the Greensboro Aquatic Center, and following the day's swims it was clear that the Royals could keep up with anyone.
In two sessions highlighted by terrific swims the Royals exited with 10 top 15 finishes on the women's side, and 11 on the men's in just 12 events. Head coach
Jeff Dugdale was thrilled about the team's performance, and believes that this will build the base for success throughout the season.
“Overall we had a lot of great racing,” he said. “We came in and showed North Carolina that Queens University of Charlotte is ready to swim fast, no matter what.”
Highlighting the individual performances was freshman
Caroline Arakelian (Livonia, Mich., Livonia Stevenson) who finished with a first place finish in the 400 IM, and in the 200 backstroke. In addition to this Arakelian added a second place finish in the 200 freestyle.
Also with strong finishes on the women's side were
Emma Durante (Akron, Ohio, Firestone) who placed seventh in the 100 backstroke,
Meridith Boudreaux (Lafayette, La., Lafayette) with a fifth place finish in the 1650 free, and sixth place finish in the 200 medley relay by Arakelian, Durante,
Lauren Mock (Greensboro, N.C., Wesleyan Christian Academy), and
Kristin Diemer (Oak Ridge, N.C., Northwest Guilford).
On the Men's side the Royals were led by a first place finish in the 1650 freestyle by
Alex Menke (Fayetteville, Ga., Whitewater ) Swimming the mile in 15.56 Menke topped swimmers from NC State, Duke, and Garner Web.
Joining Menke with standout performances were
Austin Sumrall with a fourth place finish in the 100 fly, Nic Erickson with a fourth place finish in the 100 breaststroke, and a fourth place finish in the 200 Medley Relay by
Zachary Phelps (Blacksburg, Va., Blacksburg),
Niclas Eriksson (Indianapolis, Ind., International School of Indiana),
Evante Gibson (Freeport, Bahamas, Baylor School), and
Kyle House (Lawrenceburg, Ind., East Central ).
When asked about what this meet means for the upcoming season Dugdale was quick to point out that this is a long season. But this meet is a great first step, and the program is well on its way to improving on its record-breaking 2011-2012 season.
The Royals swim next in a Conference Carolinas meet hosted by Converse College on October 19.
