Crochet impressing in senior year

Matt Gad – Sports Writer

Katie Crochet was named the Northeast-10 Conference’s Swimmer of the Week on Jan. 17. A multiple time honoree, Crochet, a senior, has had a successful season so far, recently placing first in multiple events in meets against Saint Rose and Le Moyne College.

“Katie’s been training really well and doing what she needs to do to prepare herself to qualify for NCAAs,” head coach Tim Quill said. “She was voted a captain by her peers so she has the respect of the entire program.”

Quill noted that the men’s swimming and diving team is part of the voting process for captains for the women’s team, as well as the women voting for the men when they elect their respective captains.

Crochet is one of three captains on the women’s team this season. While she has placed among the top finishers at numerous meets throughout her athletic career at Southern, Crochet pointed out that this season both the men’s and women’s swimmers have been “swimming to their best times.”

“I tend to set high expectations for myself. I expect to repeat as conference champion in the 50 freestyle, 100 freestyle and 200 freestyle, and to be awarded the most outstanding performer at the conference meet later this year,” said Crochet.

The Lady Owls recently defeated Connecticut 119-159. In swimming, much like track and field and cross country, the lowest score wins. Crochet finished first in the 50 meter freestyle and participated in the winning 800 meter relay team with Megan Garner, Sydney Fromkin and Emily Wolfe. Their winning time was 8:15.2.

Crochet said the team is very close knit. “We train together, lift together, win and lose together,” she said. “We train side-by-side with the men so we can encourage each other and push us beyond our comfort zones.”

“She’s a great role model,” Quill said. “She’s had a couple season best times leading into January, which is a great thing … when you’re swimming fast heading into your conference meet it just sets the tone for a great championship.”

The women’s swimming and diving team is past the halfway point in their season. On Jan. 27 they face the University of Bridgeport at home. On Feb. 4 they compete in the UConn Open and Feb. 16 is the start of the conference championship, which will be hosted by Southern, lasting four consecutive days.

Crochet, a communication disorders major, was born in Waterbury, Conn. In her junior campaign she placed third in the 800 yard freestyle relay, fourth in the 400 yard freestyle relay, fifth in the 100 yard freestyle and 200 yard freestyle relay at the Metropolitan Collegiate Championships. She earned Honorable Mention All-America honors in the 50 freestyle during the NCAA Championships. Crochet was also a conference champion in the 50 and 100 yard freestyles.

March 8 the NCAA Championships begin in Birmingham, Al, continuing through the 11th.

“The men’s and women’s teams have trained exceptionally hard,” Crochet said. “I am extremely proud of them and I am excited to see how the rest of the season turns out.”

Photo Credit: SCSU Athletic Communications