By: Victoria Williamson | Sports Editor
LYNCHBURG, Va. – Students packed the stands this Saturday at the Liberty Natatorium for the University of Lynchburg’s ‘Code Red’ swim meet. Having a home-pool advantage created an exciting environment for the men’s and women’s swimming teams against the University of Mary Washington.
While the visiting Eagles took the team victories – 156-106 for the women and 141-121 for the men, the energy from the crowd made for a fun and passionate afternoon for the Hornets. Junior sprint/backstroke swimmer Tyler Caten enjoyed the environment that hosting the ‘Code Red’ brought to the pool and the encouragement it added to the competition.
“Code Red gives us an opportunity to swim in an atmosphere that is similar to what we feel at conferences: lots of fans, loud buildings, lots of tension…It’s fun to have that all on your side and to get some experience with a high-pressure environment,” said Caten.
For senior Sophia Schorr, the visual of a packed house provided the adrenaline needed for the sprint events. Schorr placed first in the 50-yard freestyle with a time of 24.74 seconds.
“I always spend my time behind the blocks getting my heart rate up to prepare for my race, and seeing the stands full of Hornets really got my blood pumping…I knew I needed to show up and show the school what the swim team can do,” she said.
The Hornets utilized the crowd’s momentum to end the meet with strong relay performances. The men’s team started the day by winning the 200-yard medley relay, while the women’s team closed it off by taking first in the 40-yard freestyle relay.
Lynchburg will look to continue that energy on Saturday, Jan. 31, when they host the “Battle of the Burg” at noon.
For more information, visit the Official Lynchburg Sports Website.
