Kevin Ryan, Staff Writer
It may have been a day that was bitter sweet for Lewis senior swimmers as both the men and women’s team celebrated senior day as they welcomed in the University of Indianapolis on Jan. 29.
To make the moment even sweeter, all of the seniors had their parents in attendance as they were recognized for their four years of dedication and hard work.
Senior Kevin Coates said, “Senior day was fun. It was nice to have all the parents come in who have been at our sides as we’ve made our way through these last four years.”
With emotion’s flying high, the Lewis swimmers gave the seniors something to remember as the Flyers won seven events against the Greyhounds.
Sarah Kenis, Stephanie Holcomb and Ashley Kryger helped out the women’s team as they each won events, and Kenis added a second place finish as well. For the men’s team, Kevin Coates, Brandon Drogemuller and Derick Carlson dominated the water. Coates defended his home water one last time as he finished first in the 1000m freestyle and 500m freestyle. Drogemuller was right behind Coates as he finished second in both races, and Carlson won the 100m freestyle.
With the match against the Greyhounds being the Flyers’ last regular season meet, it was not the end of the season for some Lewis swimmers as they competed in the GLIAC Championships in Jenison, Mich. Feb. 9-13.
To kick off the five day event, Kevin Coates proudly represented Lewis University by winning the 1000m freestyle and breaking his own school record. With this time, Coates qualifed for an NCAA A cut. This was also Coates’ third time in four years winning the 1000 and 1650 freestyle in the GLIAC Championships.
Coach Thompson said, “You kind of take it for granted a little bit because you expect that from Kevin.”
“Winning the 1000 and the 1650 for the third time in four years was exciting,” Coates said. “I wish I could have retained my conference meet records, but, being able to win for the third time in both was a good way to start and end my last conference meet ever.”
Sarah Kenis also represented the Flyers as she finished sixth in the 200 IM and 400 IM, with Caitlyn Scheirer finishing right behind her in seventh.
Both swimmers times were good enough to qualify for an NCAA B cut.
Coach Thompson said of Kenis, “She’s filling out her resume; she’s a special swimmer who’s going to be great for this team for the future.”
Allie Henges was another Flyer who made coach Thompson proud, finishing fourth in the 500 freestyle and sixth in the 200 freestyle. Her sixth place finish earned her an NCAA B cut.
Coach Thompson said, “Allie’s always going to have a special place in this program.”
Arty Czarobski made highlights of his own as he tied a school record in the 100 freestyle and set a school record in the 200 breaststroke. Coach Thompson was happy to see Czarobski back on top as he went on to say, “Arty recommitted himself this year. He got back to work this year and we are really happy to see him perform well because he earned it.”
On the last day of events Kevin Coates won the 1650 freestyle and Brandon Drogemuller came in second. This was Coates second first place finish during the Championships and this raised the question, Is Kevin Coates one of the best GLIAC swimmers of all time? Coach Thompson had no argument with the statement and said, “It’s hard to argue he’s not. With seven individual championships he’s got to be up there.”
“There are tons of good swimmers in the GLIAC,” Coates said. A lot that have been better and swam more impressive times than me, I don’t think I’m one of the best swimmers in the GLIAC but I’ve definitely proved myself over the years and think I’ve shown that I was pretty dominant in my events.”
Even with Coates being so humble he has one more opportunity to add to his already accomplished swimming resume as the NCAA Championships are being held in San Antonio, Texas on March 10-12.
Other swimmers who could possibly be joining Kevin in Texas are Brandon Drogemuller, Derick Carlson, and Orla Power with Caitlyn Scheirer and Sarah Kenis hoping to join them as well. This will be the last meet of the year for this year’s team, but for the seniors it will be their last meet ever.
Coates said, “Nationals in San Antonio should be fast and lots of fun this year. We are still waiting to see who else on the team will be joining me but, I look forward to ending my career on a good note and hopefully going out with a bang.”
Kevin Ryan
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