UB Women Secure Winning Record in the MAC with a Win Over Bowling Green

The women's team competed at home on Saturday night for the first time this semester. After having several meets on the road in the past 3 weeks, it was time to experience the benefits of a little "home cooking". With a MAC record of 3-2 and 2 conference meets remaining, a win on Saturday would secure a winning record for the 2nd consecutive season and for only the 2nd time since Buffalo joined the MAC in 1998!

As coaches we left out the history lesson prior to the meet and told them to step up to the challenge, to surprise themselves. The team did just that! The meet began with a 1-2 finish in the 200 medley relay. There was no slowing down, as the team won 14 of the 16 events.

There were many standout performances, but here are a few highlights: Senior Jessica Ballard won the 200 free, 400 IM, and was a member of the winning 200 medley relay team. Junior Jordan Deren won the 1650 free and the 500 free. Freshman Katelyn Pratt-Collins won the 100 and 200 back, and was a member of the 2nd place 200 medley relay team. Sophomore Alie Schirmers won the 100 breast with a lifetime best swim and placed 2nd in the 400 IM. Junior Jessie Koltz won the 50 free while swimming on the winning 200 medley and 400 free relays.

Bulls Take Down St. Bonaventure

The Bulls traveled to St. Bonaventure on Friday as we continue to tune-up for the upcoming conference championships. Both the men and women picked up victories on road, with standout performances by several individuals.

The women jumped out to an early lead with a 1-2 finish in the 200 medley relay and looked back. Senior Meili Carpenter won the 1-meter event with a score of 344.10, breaking her own school record and continuing her undeated season in the event. She also won the 3-meter event with a score 330.75. Individual event winners include Alisa Koopman in the 1000 free, Caroline Simmons in the 200 free, Brynn Marecki in the 200 IM, Sam Palma tied in the 50 free, Jordan Deren in the 200 fly, Jessie Koltz in the 100 free, and Alie Schirmers in the 500 free.

The men experienced a much closer meet, trailing until the 9th event of the meet. The 1-2-3 finish by Matt Schwippert, Zach Ruske, and Andrew Tamchyna in the 200 back gave the Bulls a lead that we would not give up. The team was led by senior Connor Vander Zalm, who won the 1000 free and 500 free, and freshman Matt Schwippert, who won the 200 IM and 200 back. Sophomore Chris Berloth won the 200 fly, while Kenny Rhoades won the 3-meter diving event.

Senior Perspectives - Sam Palma

Sam Palma:
"The memories that I will take with me from the UB swim team are all about the people. I have spent the greater part of my four years here swimming in the far end of the pool. The light isn't as bright and there is one jet that is so powerful that if you swim into it, it will blast you in the other direction. This is normally where the sprinters swim. We have easy access to the power towers, so at any moment we can strap-in and see who can pull the heaviest bucket the fastest. I have had the best time in the other end of the pool and running off of one meter, usually while distance does a fly set :)

The sprinters are a special type of people and are usually responsible for making me laugh so hard that it's nearly impossible to swim the set correctly; especially when Andy breaks out a "That's what she said". We compete with one another, the freshmen boys make whale calls (yes really), I have been called a werewolf on multiple occasions, act totally gangsta, and generally make Andy wonder how old we actually all are.

I have learned that it's the little things, those rare moments of pure joy (even at 6 a.m., thanks to Andrea Scharf) that make things special. This team has given me something to look back at and smile on for the rest of my life."

DO WORK
Sam Palma

Senior Perspectives - Caitlin Reilly

Caitlin Reilly:
"A lot has changed since my freshman year, but I couldn't imagine being in a better place than where I am today. When looking at universities four years ago, I was definitely hoping for a program with a joint team, and so the combining of the Men and Women's program after my freshman year was great news for me. Not only did it mean getting to race the boys, but it also meant the addition of Aaron as the new mid-distance coach, as well as the GA position, which has been held by two awesome people, Mike and James. Being a part of Andy's first graduating class here at UB, and having Courtney there every step of the way, has been an amazing experience. But certainly the most incredible thing about my time here is coming in as a freshman with nine other wonderful girls, and all ten of us making it the whole way - an incredible feat! To be apart of such a talented and dedicated class, on both the men and women's side, has made these last four years unforgettable.

Although my college career has undoubtly been filled with some of the best times of my life, my sophomore year was also a very difficult time for me because of a personal family loss, and if it wasn't for the support of my coaches and teammates, I don't know how I would have ever made it through. This team has come to mean so much to me and I'm really excited to see all the great things to come over the next few years! I will be forever thankful for the opportunities I have been given here at UB and I can't wait for MACs!

Go Bulls! Let's Get Some."

Caitlin

Senior Perspectives - Ashley Schaffert

Ashley Schaffert:
"My experience on the UB Swimming and Diving team the last four years has been a very rewarding one. Not only was I blessed with great teammates and coaches all the way through, but the experience has made me grow up and learn many things about myself. I don't think I would have enjoyed my college experience as much had I not been a part of this team. The hard work I have put in has translated over to academics as well. My teammates deserve most of the credit in my great experience here. Being on a team that is so close with each other has made my time here fun and memorable, even through the tough times. The coaching staff has been supportive and learning so much from my coaches, I am walking away a stronger person ready for what the future may bring."

Ashley :)

Freshman Josh Meints Named UB Male Athlete of the Week

Congratulations to freshman Josh Meints for being named the UB Male Athlete of the Week following his performances against Miami on Saturday. Josh won the 100 breast (58.79), 200 breast (2:08.43), 200 IM (1:55.45), and was a member of the winning 200 medley relay team. All three of his individual swims were in-season bests and helped lead the team to a win over the Redhawks and it's first winning record in the MAC since the 1999-2000 season.

Josh is the first member of the men's team to be recognized this season. Congratulations Josh!

Senior Perspectives - Zach Ruske

Zach Ruske:
"I have had a great time swimming for UB. I have accomplished more in the four years I've been here than I ever thought possible. I would not have had the success in the pool and in the classroom without the support of my coaches, teammates, and entire athletic administration. There are many memorable moments that I have had and shared with my teammates, from soap fights in the showers to beating Miami for the first time (Jan. 23rd). It has not hit me that there are only two dual meets left in my entire swimming career. I know it will be a very exciting yet sad day.

I have grown and learned so much from my time at UB. I'm confident that I will be able to use what I have learned at UB in the next chapter of my life. I'm looking forward to spending the next few weeks of the season with my teammates, training hard and having fun, while getting ready for the MAC Championships. I never thought I would be in the position I am today - Swimming for a Division I team, winning conference championships, having a coach who believes in my ability, and teammates who care for one and another like family. I have truly cherished my time with the UB Swimming & Diving program. If there's anything to be taken away from the four years I've been here it's to trust your instincts and believe in yourself!"

GO BULLS!
- Zach Ruske