The University of Mary Washington men’s swimming team maintained its excellence in 2008-09, posting a 7-1 overall record, including a perfect 6-0 mark against Capital Athletic Conference schools. Under the direction of second-year head coach Matt Sellman, the Eagles used a strong, balanced lineup to remain one of the top programs in the region.
The Eagles began the season by placing third at the Division I Potomac Valley Relays, and then opened the dual meet season with a loss at nationally-ranked Washington & Lee University. The Eagles continued by topping league foes Salisbury University, Gallaudet University, and York College, before turning in many quality performances at the three-day University of Maryland Terrapin Invitational in late November, including a new school record in the 800 freestyle relay (6:59.91), the oldest school record at the school.
The highly-competitive Spring semester opened with a week-long training trip to Florida, preparing the team not only for the remainder of the regular dual meet season, but the championship season as well. The Eagles breezed through conference foes St. Mary’s College, Marymount University, and Hood College, and provided a strong effort in topping annual foe Gettysburg College at Goolrick Natatorium.
The Eagles maintained their streak of Capital Athletic Conference championships by dominating the conference meet, as head coach Matt Sellman gained league Coach of the Year honors, while sophomore Stephen Clendenin gained Swimmer of the Year accolades. Newcomer Tyler Henderson gave the Eagles a clean sweep in the individual awards by claiming the CAC Rookie of the Year award. UMW captured 12 conference records at the meet, and posted numerous NCAA provisional qualifying times.
Clendenin returned to the NCAA Championships for the second consecutive year, and this time came home with All-America honors, in the 200 yard butterfly, with a 13th place finish. He also swam the 200and 400 individual medley at the championship meet.
With just one senior on the roster lost to graduation, the Eagles will look to continue breaking records and improving times with the hope of sending multiple relays to the NCAA Championships in 2010.