By Ian Sorensen ’26
On Saturday, Feb. 7, the Crusader swimming team had an exciting meet at the Catholic League meet, finishing with 27 personal best times and strong team performances in both varsity and frosh/soph races.
The varsity swam hard and placed seventh overall, matching last year’s placement of seventh. Coaches were proud of the team’s effort and how many swimmers improved their times. Nine personal bests showed how much work the team has put in this season.
The frosh/soph team had one of the most exciting meets all year, with eighteen personal bests this season. They battled back and forth with St. Rita all day, moving between third and fifth place after each race. Every point mattered, and swimmers cheered loudly for their teammates.
For frosh/soph it all came down to the last event of the meet, the 400 yard freestyle relay of Lopez ‘29, Gruszeczki ‘29, Mulcrone ‘28, and Page ‘29.
Brother Rice was in a close race with St. Ignatius. When the final swimmer, freshman Will Page, dove into the water, the team was a body length behind St. Ignatius. The crowd got loud as Page began to swim.
Freshman Will Page said, “I had very mixed feelings about what was ahead. For one, I doubted myself to catch up and was angry at my teammate for giving up the lead. It was that feeling of anger that got me through that race and thinking how could I let this kid win.”
He had strong, smooth strokes and perfect turns. With each lap, he started to close the gap. By the final 50 yards, Page was flying through the water. He passed the St. Ignatius swimmer and pulled ahead.
Page finished with a 52.04 split and won by a full body length; his anchor leg helped lift the team from a tight battle into a first place finish. The crowd erupted as Brother Rice won the race and secured second place overall in the frosh/soph meet.
It was a day full of fast swims, personal bests, and team spirit for Brother Rice. While the varsity team matched last year’s seventh place finish, the frosh/soph showed its strength with a thrilling end that will be remembered. The aquatics program has grown majorly during the last 4 years and keeps improving.
Senior Darrion Phelps said, “I can’t wait to see what my younger teammates do for this program when I leave. I’m glad to pass down the torch they have earned.”
On Saturday, Feb. 21, the Crusader swimming team heads to Lyons Township for sectionals. Senior Jim Spencer said, “We have been looking forward to this weekend all year and just like last year, everyone will do their job.”
