The Wilmington College men’s swimming team won 10 of 14 events in recording two wins in a double dual with Wittenberg and Transylvania Saturday in the Wilmington natatorium.
The Fightin’ Quakers earned the program’s first win over Wittenberg, 149-106. They added a victory over Transylvania, 181-67.
“A lot of things had to go right for the men today,” said Wilmington head coach Trip Breen. “We had guys step up and have great swims for us.”
Senior David Hawk (Edison, OH/Mt. Gilead) and junior David Spraul (Cincinnati, OH/Princeton) each claimed four wins, two individuals and two relays, in leading the Fightin’ Quakers to the win. Breen acknowledged the wins by Hawk and Spraul were imperative to the team’s success.
Hawk continued his dominance in the 100 freestyle (55.55) and added another win in the 200 freestyle (2:04.34). Spraul earned his wins in the 100 backstroke (1:01.12) and the 200 backstroke (2:16.17). They teamed with junior Erik Spraul (Cincinnati, OH/Princeton) and sophomore Cody Nash (Fresno, CA/Kingbury) to win the 200 medley relay (1:52.73), and then were joined by sophomore Carter Semenchuk (Rockford, IL/Hononegah) and freshman Andrew Stewart (Wilmington, OH/Clinton-Massie) to win the 200 freestyle relay (1:40.51).
Wilmington’s freestyle sprinters racked up major points for the Fightin’ Quakers, claiming the first three places in both the 50 and 100 freestyles. Erik Spraul won the 50 (25.16), followed by Semenchuk (25.42) and Stewart (25.43). Following Hawk in the 100 was Semenchuk (57.32) and Stewart (58.11).
“Andrew has been sick and he really battled for the team,” said Breen. “That is what great teams and great teammates do.”
The performance from Erik Spraul, winning in the 100 butterfly and 200 individual medley in back to back events, was huge for Wilmington. He won the 100 butterfly (1:01.58) and after a 10-minute break, returned to claim the individual medley (2:17.51).
Nash added a victory in the 200 breaststroke (2:37.91).
Wilmington travels to Hiram 1 p.m. Saturday for another non-conference dual meet.
