Shippensburg University hosted Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) for swimming’s dual meet on Wednesday. 

Both men’s and women’s swimmers from SU made PSAC qualifying times. Sophomore Olivia Carver brought the first qualifying time at 11:08.81 in her 1,000-yard freestyle event but did not stop there. 

She also satisfied the PSAC requirement for her 500-yard freestyle, at 5:24.99. She finished a close second place in the race, but she dropped a stellar 30.86 seconds in her last 50 yards.

Also from the women’s team, senior Makennah Fickett took second place in her 200-yard backstroke event, with a PSAC-qualifying time of 2:19.43. Freshman Bria Burkholder made the final qualifying time of 2:20.67 in the 200-yard fly event.

The men’s team’s Robbie Ferlick made his mark on the meet. Not only did he make a PSAC-qualifying time in his 50-yard freestyle at 21.97 seconds, but he also anchored the two winning men’s relay events. The men’s team is on a three-meet winning streak for the relay events. They won both the 200-yard medley event and the 200-yard freestyle relay events, ending the meet on a victorious high.

Coach Tim Verge, head coach of Shippensburg University’s swim teams, shared his input on the meet.

“I thought this meet went well. IUP is a good team, so swimming wise for the group we have, we did a great job.” 

Verge explained further the difference in practice schedules and how that affected the swimmers this past week and emphasized the importance of keeping a consistent lifting cycle for the team.

“It’s the little things, like our turns and coming off the wall, that help with making faster times,” he said, “These little things don’t always come naturally, so you have to practice.” 

Verge is looking forward to the rest of the season with this team, saying their energy and their dedication is what brings their success, both in and out of the pool.

The swimming teams will be on the road for their next meet at Fairmont State on Oct. 17.

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