Trinity Swimming and Diving: Senior Men Shine at the 16th Annual St. Croix Coral Reef Open Water Swim

Seniors in St. Croix.

This past weekend, Trinity's senior men traveled to the Caribbean to attend the 16th annual St. Croix Coral Reef 5 mile open water swim. This race has become a rite of passage for our senior Tigers, and both the trip and the race are one of the most memorable experiences of their collegiate swimming careers.
Alex Miranda was again TU's highest placing swimmer, recording a 1:54:15 - good enough for 4th in the men's open division. Matt Wey and Andrew Battles finished 5th and 7th overall, enabling the Tigers to again make their presence noticeable at the post-race luncheon/awards ceremony. The event winner was former Pan American Games 1500 meter freestyle winner Alex Kostick of Los Angeles, who clocked in at 1:41:18.

The 2 mile open water winner was Kieran Locke of St. Croix, followed closely by Trinity senior JJ Lubinski. Tiger seniors Zach Dielmann and Drew Cauthorn finished 5th and 6th respectively. Not bad for a couple of sprinters!

Senior Aaron Shaver, winner of the 1-mile swim, with
Misty Hyman.

Last but not least, TU senior Aaron Shaver proved that a 50 yard freestyle specialist can negotiate wind, tide, and currents as he swam to a swin the event's inaugural 1 mile race. Aaron finished ahead of Scott Hensley of the Virgn Islands and fellow TU Tiger Eric Bassett.

All in all, the trip was special - wonderful weather, great food, incredible snorkleing, picturesque beaches, and challenging races. Our seniors are now ready to get back to short course racing and will be out to make their mark at both the SCAC and the NCAA Championships come February and March of 2012.

- Coach Ryan