The Little Giant Tankers are off and running at the 2008 NCAC Swimming and Diving Championships at C.T. Branin Natatorium in Canton, OH. After the first day of competition, the Tankers are sitting in 3rd place with 304 points behind perennial powerhouses Denison (557) and Kenyon (452). A year ago, after the first day of competition, Wabash had 258 points on their way to a 998-point total for the meet. With our sights set on inching close to the 1,200-point mark this year, most would say we are off to a great start!

Highlights of the meet thus far include one new school record in the 500 Freestyle—broken by Sophomore Elijah Sanders ’10—and two NCAA provisional ‘B’ cuts (500 Freestyle, 400 Medley Relay). Sanders came through with an inspiring swim of 4:38.71, improving upon his morning swim of 4:47.89 to break the school record set by Brent Graham ’09 just one year ago. Capping off the evening session was the 400 Medley Relay team of Zach Phillips ’11, Evan Rhinesmith ’11, Adam Petro ’10, and JordOn Blackwell ’09, who finished just off a school record with an NCAA provisional ‘B’ cut of 3:28.70.

In addition to those highlights, fantastic swims were turned in by Paul Wilson ’10 (19th - 500 Freestyle), Eric Vaughn ’11 (13th - 200 Individual Medley), Rhinesmith (17th - 200 Individual Medley), Peter Hewitt ’10 (18th - 200 Individual Medley), Robert Fozkos ’10 (10th - 50 Freestyle), and Zach Phillips ’11 (20th - 50 Freestyle).

For complete results, please visit the championship web site!

NCAC photos by Robbie Gantt (Wittenberg)