ST. PETER, Minn. – The Gustavus men’s swimming and diving squad competed in a dual meet Saturday afternoon at Vic Gustafson Pool, falling by a score of 187-113 to the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point in their season opener.
In its first meet of the 2016-17 campaign, Gustavus was outlasted by UW-Superior in 16 events. The Gusties owned five top finishes.
Tanner Sonnek (So., North Mankato, Minn.) finished first in the 100-yard and 200-yard breaststroke. He owned a final time of 58.73 in the 100-yard and finished 10 seconds ahead of the next closest competitor at 2:10.77 in the 200-yard.
Several Gustie first-years performed well in their first meet in Black and Gold. Zach Dawson (Fy., Apple Valley, Minn.) came in first in the 1,000-yard freestyle with a time of 10:16.55. Jacob Carlson (Fy., Chisago Lakes, Minn.) also earned a first place finish with 248.65 points in the one-meter dive.
Carson Scholberg (So., Apple Valley, Minn.) owned the first place crown in three-meter diving with 254.7 points.
“Lots of outstanding performances,” said Head Coach Jon Carlson. “Tanner Sonnek came through in the breaststrokes; but I think what really inspired the team was the performances of the freshmen. Both the divers and swimmers stepped up and performed like experienced college athletes in their first collegiate competition. I know the men are looking forward to the rest of the season with great expectation.”
The Gusties return to the pool on Friday, Nov. 11 when they travel to Northfield, Minn. for an evening dual against St. Olaf College, scheduled to begin at 6 p.m.