Stella Anderson Moye-
The Gustavus Swim Team is a certified powerhouse, having claimed the MIAC championship title for both Men’s and Women’s in the 2023-24 season. On Saturday, to open the 2024-25 season, the team was tasked with splitting up and traveling to two separate meets in Iowa. Half the team went to Morningside University in Sioux City, Iowa, whereas the other half visited Luther College in Decorah, Iowa. Despite being in separate locations, the Gusties thrived, claiming victory at the meets on both the Men’s and Women’s sides.
The Gusties could not be slowed by a few hours on the road before popping out to the pool at Luther College. The Gusties quickly took control of the meet; in the opening event, the Women placed 1st and 2nd to start the battle out strong. Despite trading wins in events back and forth, Gustavus Women held strong in their lead against great competitors throughout the meet. Diver and Junior Gabriella Stoudt helped the team to a decisive victory, scoring 222.5 points, earning her the top score in the conference as well as her first MIAC Athlete of the Week honor. Top swims from the Women come from Senior Marit Isaacson, Junior Lindsay Sundby, Sophomore Stella Anderson Moye, as well as First-years Eloise Cooper and Geneva Fackler. Isaacson swam to victory in all three of her events; the 200 free in a 2:00.41, 200 back in 2:11.77, and anchoring the 400 free relay. Sundby also swept a win in both of her individuals. She took first place in the 100 breast with a 1:10.02 and 200 breast with a 2:36.34. The Gustie Women finished the meet with a win 162-135. The Gustavus Men also laid down the law to Luther, securing gold in every single event except for two. Out of the five high-point performance swimmers of the meet, Gustavus dominated the top four, featuring Fifth-year Peyton Richardson, Senior Nyden Hill, and Sophomores Braden Ripken and Logan Cyr. Richardson, a decorated fifth-year, earned his 5th MIAC Conference Athlete of the Week honor for his victory in his four events. He swam the 200 Medley Relay, helping earn the first gold for the men’s side of the meet, 100 back at 53.98, 100 fly at 51.46, and 200 fly at 2:04.16. Knowledgeable returners with championship titles under their belt alongside the aid of new additions to the team cinched the men’s meet win at a score of 186-111.
Hitting the road while the sky was still dark, the Gustie Men and Women who visited Morningside brought a strong force to the battle. The Women asserted dominance quickly, sweeping first in 10 out of the 13 total events. Out of the five highest point-scoring female swimmers, four of them were Gusties: Sophomores Nola Fisher and Felicia Symreng as well as Seniors Lissie Artley and Abby Arp. Fisher stood out with her sprints, highlighted by a 26.06 in the 50 free and 58.34 in the 100 free. Symreng showcased her talent in backstroke events, winning the 200 back with a time of 2:19.83. The Gustavus Women dominated Morningside, with a final score of 179-53. The Gustavus Men also highlighted their speed and depth. Electric performances by Sophomore Aiden Carlson and First-years Jacob Robischon and Fin Gustafson contributed to the team’s spirit and ultimate win. Carlson won both the 100 and 200 breast with a time of 1:03.65 and 2:24.79. Robischon claimed a victory in the 100 fly, clocking a 54.8. Gustafson took first in the 200 IM with a time of 2:08.37. The Gustavus Men took home the win with a score of 141-116.
With the wave of victory behind them from the past season and the excitement of a successful start to the season, the Gustavus Swim team is on track for another incredible season. A group of talented young First-years joins the veteran returners on a mission seeking to secure another MIAC Championship title. Last year as a First-year, Braden Ripken aided the team in a conference victory while earning the Freshman record in the 100 Breast and being a part of the 200 Medley relay that broke the school record. He believes the Gustavus Swim and Dive program is “a very strong team on the men’s and women’s side and we’re looking to repeat as MIAC champions for both and take it step further sending some new faces to nationals.” He believes this win can be attributed to the personality of the team, stating “I don’t think any team is as invested in each other as we are, we’re a tight group and we are gonna keep winning this season as a team.” Geneva Fackler, who is a current First-year with the top time in the conference in the 100 free, also commented on the outlook of the season, sharing “After this meet, I’m feeling pumped up for the rest of the season. I think that the talent this team has combined with our high energy and competitive drive will make for an incredible season filled with a lot of fun and surely a lot of Ws.” The camaraderie and shared passion for the sport in addition to the hard work and dedication to excellence is clear amongst the swim team. This weekend was just the beginning of another phenomenal season and the Gustavus swim team looks to seek another victory this Saturday as they face off in another meet, this time at home in the Vic Gustafson Pool.