WHITTIER, Calif. (Nov. 11, 2023) – In a thrilling first home swim meet of the 2023-24 season, the Whittier College men's swimming & diving team put its determination, skill, and teamwork on full display to secure a hard-fought victory over California Lutheran University. The meet, which concluded with a tight team score of 133-118 in favor of the Poets, proved to be a positive first impression for Head Coach Michael Jafari's Poets in their home debut this season.
The event was charged with excitement as it came down to the wire in the final events. A standout performance was delivered by junior Nicolas Friedley (Aptos, Calif. / Aptos), who clinched his third win of the day in the 200 IM with a remarkable time of 1:57.96. This win was crucial in keeping the Poets' hopes alive, as Friedley's time was just shy of his top career record in the event.
Freshman Thomas Langlois (Haut-Richelieu, QC, Canada) emerged as another hero of the day. Specializing in distance free, Langlois was instrumental in three event wins, including the 500 Free and 1000 Free. His remarkable time of 9:44.47 in the 1000 Free set a new program record, further cementing his status as a key player in the team. Langlois also secured second place in the 200 Free, an event won by sophomore Garrett Dykier (Chino Hills, Calif. / Chino Hills) with a time of 1:45.76.
The Poets also saw impressive performances from junior Nick Coltrin (Livermore, Calif. / Granada), who triumphed in both the 50 Free (21.58) and 100 Free (48.48). Sophomore James Saw (Cave Creek, Ariz. / Desert Mountain) added to the excitement with a spectacular swim in the 100 Fly, outperforming two competitors from Cal Lutheran.
The synergy of the Purple & Gold's top athletes proved evident as Langlois, Coltrin, Dykier, and sophomore Luca Samanta (Whittier, Calif. / Sonora) combined forces in a meet-deciding relay, demonstrating the depth and versatility of the Poets' squad. The quartet beat out two Kingsman relay teams to ultimately make a huge statement for the team on home confines.
Jafari and the Poets will return to competition next weekend when they compete at the ELAC Collegiate Winter Invite on Friday, Nov. 17, and Saturday, Nov. 18.
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