1997-98 Review

"We’re number one — we’re number one," was the chant coming from the Warner Palaestra Swimming Pool on the night of Feb. 21, as the CSB swimming and diving team (8-2 overall, 8-1 MIAC champions) won their first-ever conference championship. After losing to St. Olaf by one point during a regular season dual meet, the Blazers ended an 11-year Olaf string of conference titles. They by edged St. Olaf 787-743 at the conference championships. CSB had posted four straight years of second place finishes before finally earning a league crown. CSB became only the third MIAC school to ever win a swimming and diving conference crown. Saint Ben’s had 11 individual conference champions, broke six meet records, snapped four conference marks, established seven new SJU pool records and re-wrote 11 CSB records.

CSB followed-up their best-ever conference finish, with an equally impressive appearance at the NCAA Championships. The Blazers finished in 20th place, their highest finish ever.

After 10 very successful years directing the Saint Ben’s swimming and diving program head coach Mike Ritchie has chosen to leave the coaching profession; we wish him the best of luck.

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Athletic Department
College of Saint Benedict
37 South College Avenue
St. Joseph, MN 56374
320-363-5301
Fax 320-363-6098