A veteran team with balance, men's swimming has begun to make noise on the national level. While compiling a 6-5 dual-meet record against the toughest schedule in school history, the Eagles sent their first male swimmer to nationals in then sophomore backstroker Matt Mejia (Concord, NH). Along with Mejia, two other 1991-92 "returnees" won individual events at the Capital Athletic Conference Championships this past season, helping MWC to the team title.
The Eagles lose a strong quartet in seniors Evan Stiles (school recordholder in the 200 individual medley and 100/200 butterfly); fellow co-captain Leo Dilling, a strong backstroker, Curt Dalgaard (MWC records in 100/200 breaststroke), and backstroker Jon Boroughs. Still, CAC Coach of the Year Paul Richards can count on veteran leadership from a strong class of seniors and juniors-to-be. Mejia already owns school records in the 100 (55.74) and 200 (1:59.29) backstroke and the 1,000 free (10:21.30). Classmate Bobby Kelly (Alexandria, VA) is also a versatile swimmer who owns school records in the 200 (1:49.94), 500 (4:53.56) and 1,650 (17:13.25) freestyle and the 400 IM (4:24.95).
Headlining a solid senior class will be sprint freestylers Rick Vanderhyde (Alexandria, VA) - a CAC champion - and Kevin Osborn (Yorktown, VA), freestyler/butterflier Laris Karklis (Vienna, VA) and IM performer Tun Pohanka (Woodford, VA). Vanderhyde has performed on two record-setting relay teams (200 medley/200 freestyle), while Osborn has helped established three marks (400 medley/400 and 800 freestyle relay). Other veterans looking to contribute are Adam Owings (Jr./WestChester, PA; breaststroke), Kent Secker (Jr./Pittsford, NY; free/fly); Al Wolstenholme (So./ Coatesville, PA; free), Kevin Ahearn (So./Vienna, VA; distance free) and Konrad Heller (So./The Netherlands; free).
According to Richards, the 1991-92 squad has the potential to reach new heights. Last season, MWC sent its first performer (Mejia) to NCMs, and several more are approaching national-caliber status. On a "team level," MWC is beginning to gain ground on the nation's elite in Division III, as well as area Division I teams (two of MWC's four Division I losses were decided in the last event).
“The 1991-92 season should be just as successful as this past year," said Richards. "Although we lost some great swimmers to graduation, our success has always been relative to total team effort, not individual successes. We will continue to grow and improve in '91-92. Our returning swimmers will be complemented by a strong freshman class. We'll have more talent and depth in all the freestyle events.”