Complete ResultsSpringfield, Mass. - November 21, 2009 - Andrew Blakesley won three individual events and Matt Fitzgerald met a national qualifying score on the three-meter board as the Springfield College men's swimming and diving team swept both Keene State and Wheaton on Saturday afternoon.
The Pride defeated Keene State by a score of 167.5-129.5 and downed Wheaton 230-67.
Blakesley had a tremendous day for the Pride as he finished first in three individual events. He was victorious in the 200 free with a time of 1:45.5, and also took home first place honors in the 100 free (47:39), and the 500 free (4:52.22).
In the 200 butterfly, freshman Tim Ramos took first place in 2:01.53. While senior Ryan Mackstutis notched a victory with a time of 2:05.10 in the 200 IM.
The diving well was the site of two commanding victories by Fitzgerald. Fitzgerald won the one-meter by scoring 264.80 points and the three-meter with national-qualifying score of 287.05 points. Freshman Kenny Pancoast took second place in each of those events with a 213.85 on the one-meter and a 211.45 on the three-meter.
The final event of the day saw the 200 freestyle relay team of senior Matt Manoni, junior Mike DeMellia, Mackstutis, and Blakesley touch first in 1:28.30.
Next up for the Pride is a 1:00 PM start tomorrow at Middlebury in Middlebury, Vt.
John Taffe enters his 24th season in 2012-2013 as the head coach of the men's and women's swimming teams at Springfield College. Under Taffe’s leadership, the Pride has returned to its status as one of the best collegiate swimming and diving programs in Division III. Read more.
Peter Avdoulos is regarded as one of the top diving coaches in the nation, and will enter his 28th season as the diving coach for both the men's and women's programs in 2012-2013. The current NEWMAC Men's Diving Coach of the Year, Avdoulos has coached countless All-New England and All-American divers, as well as several National Champions. Read more.