The men’s and women’s swimming teams each go into the week as defending champions of the PSAC; they want to come out the same way.The men’s team has dominated the PSAC for the past decade, winning the last nine championships, and 20 in the school’s history. This weekend, they will be swimming to make it an even tenth straight.
Last year, West Chester’s closest competitor was Clarion University, only 222.5 points behind. They were followed by Shippensburg, Kutztown, and Edinboro.
PSAC newcomer Gannon University has accumulated an impressive 10-1 record this season, and looks to maybe be a competitor with West Chester this season, along with Clarion who finished 6-3. Gannon’s only defeat was at the hands of Clarion.
West Chester’s only loss on the season was to Ivy Leaguer Penn College. They defeated fellow PSAC competitors Kutztown, Shippensburg, and Bloomsburg. The West Chester men’s swimming team is a heavy favorite to hold on to the PSAC crown this week and complete a decade of division dominance.
The women’s swimming team is also looking to defend last year’s PSAC title, where they too held off runner up Clarion University. The Lady Ram swimmers have won five PSAC championships since 2001, and would love to add to that.
The Lady Ram’s have an impressive 7-1 record, and are most likely favorites to repeat as champs. They will have tough competition this year though, as both Clarion and Edinboro are undefeated yet on the year, and both Kutztown and California (Pa.) have impressive regular season records.
West Chester has already overcome division rivals Shippensburg, Kutztown, and Bloomsburg by significant margins this regular season. They have a good chance of once again bringing the PSAC title home to West Chester University.
This weekend will be the final test for both teams, as PSAC Championships will take place in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania.
Ryan Frisco is a second-year student majoring in Communication studies with a minor in Journalism. He can be reached at RF648257@wcupa.edu.