2007-2008 CSB Swimming and Diving Review
In her fourth season leading the College of Saint Benedict swimming and diving team, head coach Kathy Walker guided the Blazers to another successful, competitive season within the MIAC. CSB notched 447 team points to earn fourth place in the conference championships and placed six individuals on the all-MIAC team.
The 2007-2008 campaign was marked with solid success as a team. On Dec. 8 CSB knocked off arch-rival St. Thomas in dual competition 166-132 thanks to strong performances by Senior Kaelly Simpson and junior Steph Johnson. When the Blazers convened after Christmas they traveled to face nationally respected competition at the Copa Coqui meet in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Following a 181 to 60 defeat over Concordia-Moorhead on Jan. 11, CSB continued their streak of success with 1956 team points and a first place nod at the CSB/SJU Super Invitational on Jan. 25 and 26.
The Blazers culminated their season with a fourth place finish at the MIAC Championships. CSB tallied three top five finishes. Highlights include Kelly Matzen, Brooke Johnson, Abbey Brau and Kaelly Simpson combining to take fourth in the 800 freestyle relay. Their time of 7:54.26 shattered the former school record set in 1998 by over six seconds. Simpson concluded her successful senior campaign with a record breaking performance in the 400 IM.
CSB’s season was full of impressive individual accolades. Alison Pagliaccetti was selected MIAC swimmer of the week when she set a meet record an anchored the winning 200 freestyle relay at the Gustavus Adolphus invitational on Nov. 17. Simpson also received MIAC Swimmer of thee Week honors after three victories at the CSB/SJU Invitational on Jan. 12.
Kelly Matzen, Alison Pagliaccetti, Becca Schleicher, Brooke Johnson, Abbey Brau and Kaelly Simpson were all selected to the all-MIAC team.
Simpson was voted as MVP by her teammates while Sarah Christianson was selected as Most Improved. Nikki Reed received the Coaches’ Award.
Athletic Department
College of Saint Benedict
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St. Joseph, MN 56374
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