Matt Gad – Special to the Southern News
The women’s swimming and diving team at Southern Connecticut is having a strong run, especially when Katie Crochet, junior, shared the thrill of being named ECAC Division II Swimmer and Diver of the Week on Jan. 27.
Her efforts inside the water made Crochet finish first in both the 200-yard freestyle with a time of 1:57.40, and the 50-yard free at 24.54. Her team also managed to place first in the 200-yard freestyle relay with a time of 1:42.60.
Crochet had a strong performance in the 154-135 victory over Pace on Jan. 22. And several days later, she was honored with the aforementioned accolade.
“We’re very proud of any one of our teammates if they get a personal best in the season,” said Crochet. “Especially at the end of the season, when they get an all-time best time. We’re just very excited for one another.”
Crochet added that the team is starting to get a lot of fast swimming under their belts now, as they head into the conference championships. She said with the Northeast-10 Championship around the corner, the team is starting to catch a spark.
“After Metro’s [the competition that follows NE-10] you have to individually qualify for NCAA,” Crochet said. “In swimming, you can only get there individually or as part of a relay team.”
When Crochet’s teammates found out about her honor, everyone was respectful and congratulating. She noted that team chemistry is always a focal point, and that there is always a friendly and competitive vibe.
Crochet attended Watertown High School where she helped her team achieve back to back undefeated seasons. From her time in high school she holds the school records in the 50 free, 100 free, 200 free relay and 400 free relay.
Additionally, Crochet helped set the Naugatuck Valley League records in 200 free relay and 400 free relay, and was a two-time All-State selection.
eammate Raymond Cswerko said the men and women mix well, and it is a solid balance to have everyone supporting each other. Both the men and women train and compete together at the same meets, so they are frequently around one another.
“I think it’s good having a mix of male and female athletes on the same team together,” Cswerko said. “It brings certain aspects together. The men bring the testosterone and fight, and the women bring the emotional side and support to one another.”
Head swimming coach, Tim Quill, said he is proudest of all the athletes earning individual distinctions. He added that the coaching staff “rides and dies” with the success of their swimmers and divers.
“A lot of people think that the parents are the biggest fans,” Quill said. “However, I think coaches deserve credit because we also have a great relationship with our athletes.”
Quill also said team chemistry makes for a stronger program, and that the relationship on all ends of the spectrum is very positive.
“It has been a great year,” Quill said. “We are up in numbers, and we have also brought in a good freshman class. The entire team is training and competing well.”
Crochet and the women’s team have the NE-10 Championships to focus on, followed by another team competition before individuals have the potential to qualify for future meets this season.
The next time to catch Crochet in action will be the championship weekend for the NE-10 Conference title, commencing Feb. 4 in Worcester, Mass.
Photo Credit: SCSU Athletic Communications