After months of preparation, the Tars’ men and women’s swim teams entered the 2016-2017 season. In August, Rollins hired Kyle Berg as head coach for the men and women’s teams. Berg felt honored to join the Rollins community and was excited to lead the Tars in pursuit of ultimate athletic and academic success.
Last Friday was Berg’s first swim meet as the head coach for the Tars. His Assistant Coach, Elvis Burrows, is also in the middle of his first year coaching at Rollins.
The Tars opened the season by hosting No. 17 Saint Leo at the Alfond Pool.
For the men, there were ten veteran swimmers returning, seven of which are juniors, along with five newcomers who sought victory. Among the returners is Raoul Rajani ‘18, who set the school record for the 100-yard breaststroke and the 200-yard breaststroke during his 2015 campaign, and graduate student Benjamin Gebauer. Last season, Gebauer had the fastest times for the Tars in multiple events, including the 50-yard freestyle, 100-yard freestyle, 200-yard freestyle, and 100-yard fly.
For the women, nine swimmers, including two seniors and four juniors, return to the team, joining five newcomers for the start of a new season.
Junior Taylor Wilks and senior Kylie Klotzbach lead the way for Rollins. Wilks currently holds the school records for both the 100-yard and 200-yard breaststroke, and was a member of the relay team that set the school record for the 200-yard freestyle relay (1:37.29) last February. Both Klotzbach and Wilks were involved in setting the school records for the 200-yard and 400-yard medley relays during the 2016 season.
Taking to the pool for the first time under the leadership of Kyle Berg, both the men’s and women’s teams did their best. Never taking a moment to stop, the Tars just kept swimming.
Rollins, sadly, could not pull the upset over No. 17 Saint Leo.
Despite falling 198-64, the Tars saw some great performances and energy from the team.
Sophomore Makenzie Grider tied for first in the 500-Yard Freestyle Event, touching with Alyssa McNamara of Saint Leo at 5:24.30.
The Lions proved they could outperform the Tars, as Rollins fell 186-68.
Luis Santiesteban highlighted the Tars afternoon, capturing second in the 50 Yard Freestyle with a time of 23.22.
Freshman Luke Waite, got his Rollins career off to a good start, posting a time of 5:05.42 and earning a second-place finish in the 500-Yard Freestyle event.
The Tars return to the pool on Saturday, November 12, at 11 a.m. when Rollins will face No. 6 Tampa in Winter Park. Be there to support our swimmers!
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