2007 MIAC Men's Swimming & Diving Championship Preview
Gustavus, St. Olaf, Saint John's, and Carleton will look to maintain their consistent placements in the top half of the MIAC standings. Five-time reigning MIAC Champion Gustavus enters the 2007 meet with the goal of capturing their sixth straight. The Gustavus line-up features All-Americans Ben Hanson, Scott Hagemeyer, Brian Amundson, Matt Stewart, and Tyler Wakefield. But it will not be easy for the Gusties in 2007 as St. Olaf has many talented individuals and should contend for the title. The Oles return the top diver in the MIAC in Christian Lorentzen along with numerous swimmers who hold top times in 2007. Last season's 100-yard backstroke champion Casey Larson will lead the Saint John's team this year. While Carleton features some strong senior swimmers and sophomore All-American Ted Marschall.
Hamline, St. Thomas, Macalester, and Saint Mary's will look to break into the upper half of the conference in 2007. Hamlime returns sophomore Jonathan Tapia-Rodriguez an All-Conference performer in the 200-yard butterfly a season ago. St. Thomas is led by junior T.J. Hardy, who placed fifth in the 50 and 100 Freestyles at the 2006 Championship Meet. Freshman freestyler Mitch Stepleton will be the best hope of a conference finalist for Macalester. Saint Mary's is also very young and will be led by freshmen Curtis Kempton and Jon Fox.
The 2007 MIAC Men's Swimming & Diving Championship will be held this weekend, February 15-17, at the University of Minnesota Aquatic Center. Running in conjunction with the MIAC Women's Championship, the meet will feature preliminary events in the morning sessions and final contests during the evening sessions.