The Lehman College men’s and women’s swimming and diving teams returned to the pool on Wednesday evening as the units competed against the Manhattan College Jaspers in non-conference meets. Lehman’s men’s squad fell to Manhattan by a score of 125-48 while the Lightning women lost to the Jaspers by a final of 113-49.
Prior to the meet, the Lehman College athletic department, including Director of Athletics, Dr. Martin L. Zwiren, and Sports Information Director Stephen Spagnoli, along with head coach Peter Kiernan – took the time to honor seven dedicated seniors for their years of service on the team. Those seniors included Alba Hernandez, Judy Espinal, Jessica Espinal, Nadia Alie, and Luisa Garcia from the women’s swimming and diving team, and Rafael Abreu, Matthew Martinez, and Orlando Urena from the men’s swimming and diving team. Each senior was presented with commemorative senior plaques which had their names and years of competition engraved on them. Head coach Peter Kiernan believes this year’s senior class included high-profile names that will be tough to replace.
“There are so many competitors on the senior circuit this year that have been pivotal in the progression and success of these programs, and I have mixed emotions about their departure from the teams after this year,” Kiernan said. “I’m happy to see them complete their collegiate careers and move on, and at the same time I’m sad to see them go because I know what they’ve meant to our teams during their time here.”
As for the meet, the Lightning men’s squad had some fine performances in the water despite the loss to the Jaspers. Urena won three events, including the 50 yard breaststroke (30.99), the 400 IM (5:14.51), and the 200 yard butterfly (2:42.76).
On the women’s side, Luisa Garcia won the 500 yard freestyle, completing that event in a time of 6:14.63, and Tanaka Nyemba recorded victory in the 400 IM, completing that competition in a time of 6:21.93.
The Lehman College men’s and women’s swimming and diving teams will now have time off before participating in the 2010 CUNYAC championship meets which begin at the APEX Aquatics Center on the afternoon of Thursday, February 4th.