Written By: Victoria Williamson ~ Assistant Sports Editor
Delaney Kennedy swimming at a meet. Photographed by Caroline Gerke.
After four days of competing, both the women’s and men’s Lynchburg swim team placed in the top three at the ODAC championship meet. University records were broken and made; the end result placing the men’s team in second and the women’s in third.
One hornet that made a lasting impression during the team’s weekend in Greensboro was senior breast and IM swimmer, Delaney Kennedy. After hitting a program-best time the first day in the 800-yard freestyle relay according to LHSN, she was placed on the All-ODAC second team.
Kennedy relates what she did to prepare for the long-awaited championship weekend, “I think just having a lot of practices beforehand, and relaxing before the meet helped me settle my nerves,” she said.
Looking back, Kennedy also reflects on the team culture and how that catapulted their success this season.
“Everyone feeling like they were a part of the team really helped us. It was important to us that everyone knew they mattered, and knew that the effort they put forth made a difference,” said Kennedy.
Andrew Fiore competing at a swim meet. Photographed by Caroline Gerke.
Andrew Fiore, the freshman breast and IM swimmer on the men’s team, also made leaps and bounds his first year as a hornet. His 1:52.53 time during the 200-yard butterfly landed him on the All-ODAC first team, LHSN stated.
“I’m a very competitive person, and that combined with the people surrounding and supporting me definitely motivated me,” said Fiore.
Fiore also believed that the success at the ODAC championship meet was fueled by the team’s bond and closeness.
“I feel like we improved most on our comradery as a team, we all cared more about the success of the team than our own,” he said.
With new record times and a solid team connection, the Lynchburg swim team was able to make history this season.
Visit University of Lynchburg swimming for more information and upcoming NCAA announcements.
