Tag: PC Swimming and Diving
Sports Shorts
by The Cowl Editor on October 10, 2019
Friar Sports
By Marc Demartis ’21
Sports Staff
Tennis Team Update:
The Providence College Tennis Team stole the show at the tournament hosted here at PC last weekend. They won their first PC Invitational Tournament after winning 18 out of the 22 matches that they played against Bryant University, College of the Holy Cross, and Merrimack College. Vannelie Melendez ‘23 and Catherine Gamble ‘23 won their first doubles and singles matches and Gamble and Brenna Magliochetti ‘23 went undefeated for the day. Natalie Pitocco ‘20 and Aidan Epstein ‘20 also went undefeated on the day. They can keep the momentum going forward when they play in the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) Northeast Regionals on Thursday, October 17 in West Point, New York.
Swim Team Update:
The Providence College Men’s and Women’s Swimming & Diving Teams placed third overall at the New England Catholic Invitational (NECI) this past weekend at Boston College. The men finished in third place with 462 points and the women’s team also finished third with 482 points. There were six men’s teams and seven women’s teams competing in each division with colleges such as Fairfield University, Assumption College, College of the Holy Cross, La Salle University, Mount Saint Mary’s University, and Boston College. The next time the Friars hop in the pool will be on Monday, October 14 in the Taylor Natatorium here on campus where they will be holding their Black and White intrasquad meet.
Men’s Soccer Team Update:
The Providence College Men’s Soccer Team lost to Butler University during alumni weekend on Friday, October 4. After leading 1-0 in the first half, the Friars struggled to contain the Butler Bulldogs in the second half, giving up 3 goals. After the 3-1 loss, the team has a 6-4 record putting them in 6th place in the Big East Conference. The lone goal for the Friars came from Joao Serrano ‘20, his third goal of the season. Providence had 15 shots compared to Butler’s 7. After this devastating loss, the Friars look ahead to their next game on Tuesday, October 8 at the University of Connecticut at 7:00pm.
Women’s Hockey Team Update:
The Providence College Women’s Hockey Team earned their first win of the season against Quinnipiac University, improving their record to 1-1-0. The Friars defeated the Bobcats 3-2. After trailing 1-0 after the first period, the Friars came back in the second period to make it 2-2 by the start of the third. These goals came from Maureen Murphy ‘21 and Annelise Rice ‘21. However, the goal that really stood out from the rest comes from Bailey Burton ‘23 who scored the game winning goal with only one minute remaining in the third period. The Friars’ next game is against the Bemidji State Beavers on Friday, October 11.
Swim Team Raises Money for Swim Across America
by The Cowl Editor on September 19, 2019
Friar Sports
By Meaghan Cahill ’20
Sports Co-Editor
Before the start of the 2019-2020 season, the Providence College Men’s and Women’s Swimming and Diving Teams joined colleges all over the northeast to raise money for cancer research at Women and Infants Hospital of Rhode Island as a part of the 10th Annual Swim Across America (SAA) event.
In the ten years that SAA has taken place in Rhode Island, it has grown into one of the largest SAA events in the country.
Providence College Swimming and Diving Head Coach, John O’Neill, who is on the board for SAA-RI, said, “It’s extraordinary to think how important this swim has become to all those whose families are impacted by cancer.”
SAA was founded in 1985 as a sequel event to Run Across America. The first swim took place in 1987 in Nantucket, MA. Since then, SAA holds 20 open water benefits across the country and 100 annual pool swims. The overall mission of SAA is to “unite the swimming community by hosting benefit swims that raise money to fund life-saving cancer research and clinical trials.”
This year’s event, which was to be held at Roger Wheeler Beach in Narragansett, RI, had to be cancelled due to four to six foot swells and rip currents caused by Hurricane Dorian. However, the teams involved were still able to raise over $200,000 in donations.
PC raised the most money out of the 10 schools involved with a total of $34,407. PC swimmer Parker Cramer ’21 raised a total of $3,800, the third highest amount for the entire event and the most out of all PC athletes involved. In the 10 years that PC has been involved in the event, the swim team has raised over $220,000.
“We can all take pride as our event has topped the one million dollar mark for funds raised,” O’Neill said on the money raised for Women and Infants Hospital, one of the largest oncology services for women in the northeast.
Swim Season Comes to an End
by The Cowl Editor on February 28, 2019
Friar Sports
Men’s and Women’s Teams Break Many School Records
By Sullivan Burgess ’20
Sports Staff
Last weekend, the Providence College Men’s and Women’s Swimming and Diving Teams competed in the 2019 Big East Swimming and Diving Championships held in East Meadow, New York. The four-day event provided the Friars with the opportunity to set over 12 new program records.
Beginning on the first day, four students raced in the men’s 800-yard freestyle relay, which held a previous record time of 6:49.12 set in 2014. Justin Viotto ’22, John Freeman ’21, Andrew Ferrell ’21, and Liam Straker ’19 finished the race with a time of 6:46.69, putting the Providence men in fifth with 28 points.
For the women, the top finishers came from two events of the day—the 800-yard and 200-yard freestyle relays. In the 800-yard relay, the Friars placed fifth at 7:41.17, led by Jennifer Bankes ’22, Lauren Zawacki ’21, Margie Keenan ’21, and Madeline Snow ’19. For the 200-yard relay, however, the Friars were able to beat their time from 2017, 1:47.12, by nearly two seconds, coming in at 1:45.63 and ending in fifth place. The event was raced by by Juliet McGlaughlin ’19, Abigail Czernieki ’19, Katie Thornton ’21, and Zawacki. This tied the Friars for fourth with Butler at 56 points after day one.
On the second day of the championships, Zawacki set another program record in the 50-yard freestyle when she touched the wall at 23.88 seconds. Ferrell also set a new program record with a time of 1:51.28 in the 200-yard IM. Additionally, the team of Bankes, Thornton, Keenan, and Zawacki set a school record in the 200-yard freestyle relay with a time of 1:35.92. At the end of the second day, the men were still in fifth place at 88 points, and the women dropped to fifth at 93 points.
On the third day of the championship, the Friars were able to set four more program records, beginning with Zawacki’s improved time of 57.20 seconds in the 50-yard freestyle. Viotto bested the program’s 400-yard IM record with a 3:58.09 mark. The team of McGlaughlin, Czerniecki, Thornton, and Bankes was also able to set a new record in the 400-yard medley relay at 3:53.16. Lastly, Ferrell was able to touch the wall in his race at 50.25, which was not only allowed for a fourth-place finish, but also a new school record.
In the fourth and final day of the championships, the Friars set three new program bests. The first record was set by Amanda Gaccione ’20 by finishing the 200-yard breaststroke with a time 2:22.78. Viotto set a best time of 1:50.12 in the 200-yard fly, and senior Ryan Trammell ’19 bested his own mark in the 200-yard breaststroke, finishing at 2:03.17.
Despite breaking 12 records, the men and women were unable to place due to stiff competition. The men came in last with 227 points and the women placed last with 220 points. Xavier University won the men’s competition with 779.5 points, while Villanova University won the women’s side with 1007.5 points.
After a back and forth season with most Big East competitors, the Friars were happy to set these 12 new program records and improve on their times. They are looking forward to what the future has in store for them.
Men’s Swimming Tops Crusaders
by The Cowl Editor on January 24, 2019
Friar Sports
Women Fall Short Despite Multiple First Place Finishes
By Eileen Flynn ’20
Sports Staff
Throughout the season, the Providence College Men’s and Women’s Swimming and Diving Teams have battled hard against Bryant University, Iona College, Fairfield University, Brown University, and Villanova University. Despite coming up short at the start of the season, the team proved their strength and potential during the Harold Anderson Invitational.
A definite highlight of the season for the Friars, the invitational gathered teams together in Kingston, Rhode Island on Nov. 16-18 at the University of Rhode Island. Facing rivals like Bryant, University of Maine, and URI, the team had to show up each day with the desire to win. After a full weekend of close races, the women finished in third place, ahead of the College of the Holy Cross, Bryant, and the University of Maine. The men impressively placed first in the invitational and worked together to beat the pool of teams that the women also out-raced.
This momentum helped fuel the team’s energy for their senior meet this past Saturday, January 19. The men and women on the PC Swimming and Diving team gathered together in the Taylor Natatorium for their last home meet of the season. Despite the brisk weather outside, the intensity and praise for the seniors made for a fun atmosphere to compete in. The Holy Cross Crusaders traveled from Worcester to face a relentless group of Friars coming off of a tough schedule this season.
Lauren Zawacki ’21 finished first in the 50-meter freestyle, while her two teammates, Jennifer Bankes ’22 and Kathryn Presley ’22, placed on top in the 400-meter freestyle and the 100 meter breaststroke, respectively. Despite their efforts, the women’s team fell to Holy Cross in a close score of 136 to 161.
On the men’s side, Ryan Trammell ’19 decided he was going to make the most of his last time competing at PC. Although already holding the program record, Trammell improved his time in the 100-meter breaststroke to a quick 1:06.22. “It was really special to be able to improve my record one final time. It’s great to know I finished off with my best and gave it everything I could.” Justin Viotto ’22 followed Trammell’s lead by improving upon the program record he already held as well in the 200-meter butterfly with a time of 2:07.03.
When asked more about his experience on Saturday, Trammell explained how grateful he is for his teammates and how he will miss competing with them next year. “I really love this team and the support I have received over my four years has been awesome.” With the help of his teammates, the men’s team was able to clinch a win over Holy Cross, a special memory for his last meet on campus. “Getting to race in front of a home crowd, cheering on my teammates, and watching the team do well is what makes all the hours of practice and pain worth it,” said Trammell.
Trammell, along with his teammates is looking forward to his final Big East Championship appearance on Feb. 20. “I have a few individual rivals on each of the other teams so obviously I’m looking to beat out those guys for the top of the podium.” Competition aside, Trammell is quick to say he will cherish his last couple of meets, enjoying the moment and swimming alongside his teammates.
Men’s Swim Wins Harold Anderson Invitational
by The Cowl Editor on November 29, 2018
Friar Sports
By Liza Sisk ’19
Sports Staff
The Providence College Men’s and Women’s Swimming and Diving Teams are making waves in competition this season. The teams are in the midst of their seasons, working towards the Big East Swimming & Diving Championships Feb. 20-23.
On Nov. 16-18 the Friars traveled to Kingston, Rhode Island to participate in the Harold Anderson Invitational. The competition was hosted by the University of Rhode Island at the Tootell Aquatic Center.
The women secured third place, and the men took home first. The weekend also brought a personal record for a swimmer on the men’s team. Justin Viotto ’22, had a record-setting performance in the 200-yard butterfly and the 400-yard IM. His performance in the 200-yard butterfly earned him a 1:50.20 time, beating the school record previously set by Sebastian Melendez ’21 in 2018. Viotto also topped the previous school record for the 400-yard IM with a time of 4:00.70. The previous IM record was held by John Fatigati ’15, earned in 2014.
The women proved to be competitive in the Invitational as well. Lauren Zawacki ’21 earned a second place finish in the 100-yard freestyle with a 52.91 finish. Madeline Snow ’19, earned a second place finish in the 200-yard butterfly with a 2:07.26 time. Zawacki also took home third place in the 50-yard freestyle with a time of 24.28. The success of the Lady Friars was also propelled by a first place relay finish. The 200-yard freestyle relay consisting of Jennifer Bankes ’22, Katie Thornton ’21, Margie Keennan ’21, and Zawacki topped the other relays with a time of 1:36.73. The 800-yard freestyle relay win also contributed to the success of the Friars during the Invitational. Keennan, Zawacki, Thornton, and Snow earned an impressive 7:47.93.
Following his performance during the Invitational, Viotto was named to the Big East Weekly Honor Roll. The freshman received the award on Nov. 21. His record breaking performances and consistency in competition earned him this award.
Star breaststroker Ryan Trammell ’19 is competing at the Winter National Championships on Nov. 30 in Greensboro, North Carolina. The meet is hosted by USA Swimming and is held in a long course pool to allow for swimmers to compete for 2020 Olympic Trial cuts. Following this meet, the Friars will take a break from competing until Jan. 2 when the men return to face Brown University. The Friars will then head to their winter training trip in Ponce, Puerto Rico.
PC Swim Has High Expectations
by The Cowl Editor on November 1, 2018
Friar Sports
By Thomas Zinzarella ’21
Sports Staff
Fresh off their first home meet of the season two weeks ago against the Bryant Bulldogs, the Providence College Men’s and Women’s Swim Team looks to learn from that meet and use it as a building block for the rest of season. Their sights are set on the Big East Championship in February.
Although the Friars fell to Bryant, they were able to show their improvement. It was a much improved result from last year’s meet for the men’s side against this same Bryant squad which may be a theme that will be mirrored throughout the rest of the Friars season. Jerod Magazine ’19 believes that “this may be the best group we have had in my four years…chemistry is great, guys pushing each other in the pool…great leadership, and a really good freshman class.” A few standout freshmen that Magazine mentioned were Justin Viotto ‘22, Matt Keane ‘22, Matt Michaels ‘22, and Ian McElrath ‘22.
A number of these freshmen have already contributed for the Friars early on in their college swimming careers. Viotto took home two first-place finishes in the 400 and 800-meter freestyle with the times of 4:12.58 and 8:41.06. John Freeman ’21 and McElrath churned out 1-2 finishes in the 200-meter freestyle with times of 1:57.62 and 1:59.62, respectively.
The Friars were able to finish the day strong with a first place finish in the 200-meter freestyle relay with a time of 1:39.06. The relay consisted of Mark McLaughlin ’21, Viotto, Freeman, and Patrick Brannigan ’20.
With positive results from both underclassmen and upperclassmen, Magazine hopes that the Friars can continue to shatter records and also take back the Harold Anderson Invitational, a meet that the Friars men’s team won three of the last four years. With veteran talent and leadership from captain Liam Straker ’19 and star breaststroker Ryan Trammell ’19, the Friars will look to do some damage throughout the rest of this season and into Big East.
Women’s swimming and diving is also in a very similar spot as well with senior leadership leading the way for the Friars. Molly Kavanaugh ’21 believes that it all starts with the seniors and trickles down to the underclassmen. “Madeline (Snow ‘19) and other seniors really show us how to act in and out of the pool. There is a great respect between both upperclassmen and underclassmen…. [A respect] between all grades, especially from the seniors down to the freshmen.” Kavanaugh went on to mention how Snow is one of the presidents of the Student-Athlete Advisory Council (SAAC) along with men’s swimmer Magazine.
The Swimming & Diving program was also recognized as being a Scholar All-American team. The women’s team had the highest GPA last semester in program and school history with a 3.60 average.
The team has also seen strong performances in the pool with this last meet, where a 200-meter relay team consisting of Jennie Bankes ’22, Katie Thornton ’21, Margie Keenan ’21, and Lauren Zawacki ’21 broke the 21-year old school record with a blitzing time of 1:50.60.
Bankes, a freshman from Broxton, Massachusetts, has been praised for her performance in the pool so far and is somebody to keep an eye on as this season progresses. Kavanaugh stated “We could see some pretty good things from her this season,” where some records will continue to be shattered. Men’s and Women’s Swim will be at Iona College at 5 p.m. this Friday and Fairfield at 1 p.m. this Saturday!
PC Swimming and Diving Makes Waves to Fight Cancer
by The Cowl Editor on September 13, 2018
Friar Sports
Team Raises $30,101 for Cancer Research
By Liza Sisk ’19
Sports Staff
This past weekend, the Providence College Men’s and Women’s Swim Teams left the comfort of their home pool, the Taylor Natatorium, and braced the cold ocean current in the waters of Narragansett, Rhode Island. Their venture into the open water was motivated by their determination to raise money for cancer research.
On Sept. 8, the Friars participated in the annual Swim Across America (SAA) event. The race is hosted by the SAA organization as a fundraiser to support doctors with ideas to fight cancer who are struggling to receive funding for clinical trials and research. The organization holds races nationwide. The swim is open to athletes of any age and skill level and typically offers both a half mile and a 1-mile race.
This season, SAA hosted 18 open-water swims at locations across the United States. They also offer the opportunity for individuals to hold pool races to contribute to their cause.
The beneficiaries of the funds raised during the respective races are cancer research facilities in the direct community where the race took place. The goal of SAA is to “fund $100 million in the next decade, to speed up cures for cancer.”
Saturday’s event took place at the Roger Wheeler Beach in Narragansett. The Friars participated in the one-mile swim. This year, the event attracted over 600 participants, many of whom represented collegiate swim teams across New England. The Narragansett-based event raises funds specifically for gynecological and breast cancer research at the Women and Infants Hospital of Rhode Island.
Providence College has been participating in the event since its inaugural year nine years ago. Coach John O’Neill is on the commitee that brought the event to Rhode Island and is committed to cultivating it into one of the largest SAA events in the nation. Each year the team promotes the event amongst family and friends, and on social media, and where they raise money to contribute to research.
This year, as a program, the Friars was the highest fundraising team, raising $30,101 to support the local hospital. The swim itself collected $204,641 nearly reaching their goal of $210,000 with time still left to donate. In the nine years that the Friars have been involved with SAA, they have raised over $175,000.
The event not only attracted 600 participants, but four Olympic swimmers also made appearances at the race. Craig Beardsely (1980), Elizabeth Beisel (2008, 2012, 2016), Alex Meyer (2012), and Clara Walker LaMore (1948) supported the Rhode Island race and were available for photos and additional inspiration. These four Olympic athletes along with over 100 Olympians promote SAA events annually, generating awareness and raising donations for the beneficiaries of the races.
O’Neill made the following statement after the meet: “We would like to again thank the leaders of every college program for continuing to join us helping in the fight against cancer. The big winners on this day each year are the patients who will benefit from the outstanding doctors and research specialists at Women and Infants Hospital.”
Liam Straker ’19 is serving as a captain for the Friars. He reflected upon the significance of the program’s participation in such a powerful event and explained that “it’s important to take a step back and appreciate how lucky we are to have our health. It’s something I know I take for granted almost every day.”
Straker shared that the event is particularly important because “everyone’s life has been touched by cancer, so it’s really something that hits home for all of us.” Straker expresses his pride in the program for “making the commitment to this event year after year,” and is “grateful for the support [they’ve] received along the way.”