Swimming & Diving Set To Open Season At St. Olaf Friday Night

After a month of practice and intersquad competition, the Gustavus men’s and women’s swimming and diving teams are set to open the 2012-13 season in Northfield on Friday night.  The Gusties will face St. Olaf College at 6:00 p.m. in a dual that will be broadcast live by the St. Olaf Sports Information Department through the link below.

Live Video

The Gustavus women’s swimming and diving team sets its sights on a fourth-consecutive MIAC Championship this season with an experienced group returning to the pool.  Leading the Gusties in her junior season will be Alissa Tinklenberg (Willmar, Minn.), who was named the 2011-12 Gustavus Female Athlete-of-the-Year after earning All-America marks at the 2012 NCAA Swimming & Diving Championships.

All-Conference performers also returning to the pool include Sarah Hund (Sr., Willmar, Minn.), Abby Lyle (Jr., Buffalo, Minn.), Laura Drake (Jr., Mendota Heights, Minn.) Katie Olson (So., North Oaks, Minn.), McKenna Jones (So., Faribault, Minn.), Jennifer Strom (So., Rochester, Minn.), and diver Heather Funai (So., Lincolnwood, Ill.).

The men’s team returns a young but talented squad that features 15 freshmen, 10 sophomores, six juniors, and three seniors.  All-Conference returners on the men’s side include Peter Crady (Jr., St. Peter, Minn.) Zac Solis (So., Centennial, Colo.), and Ross Larson (So., Brookings, S.D.).

Head Coach Jon Carlson, who is in his 23rd season at the helm of both the Gustavus men’s and women’s swimming and diving programs, is excited about opening the season against conference rival St. Olaf.  “Friday should be a fun test for both the men and women.  We’ve worked hard through the pre-season and are itching for a challenge to get the competitive juices flowing.  St. Olaf is a meet you circle on the calendar and we’re excited to start our year off at their place,” said Carlson.

Following Friday’s competition, Gustavus will travel to Collegeville, Minn. where it will take part in the Saint John’s/Saint Ben’s Mini Invitational on Saturday, Nov. 10 at 1:00 p.m.