LYNCHBURG, Va. – For the first time ever in program history, Gardner-Webb men's swimming has been crowned as the 2021 CCSA Conference Champions. Taking home first place, the men racked up a grand total of 1,059 points over the three-day meet.
In the Men's 1,650 Free,
Garrett Despres took home second-place for GWU with a time of 15:55.55 on the touchpad.
Will Anderson placed fifth with a time of 16:02.49,
Sam Goldey placed sixth with a time of 16:08.18, and
Brady Vann took seventh with a time of 16:10.14.
Landon Clark placed third for the Runnin' Bulldogs in the Men's 200 Back, finishing at the wall with a time of 1:48.84.
Christian Jann placed fourth in the event with a time of 1:52.02, and
Bryan Dunne touched in at seventh with a time of 1:53.06.
As for the Men's 100 Free,
Seggio Bernardina placed third for Gardner-Webb with a time of 45.31. While teammate
Brady Fields took fifth with a time of 45.46, and
Tim Bennett was just behind in sixth with a time of 45.61.
Jonathan Frye took home a nice third-place finish for the 'Dogs in the Men's 200 Breast with a time of 2:00.75.
In the Men's 200 Fly, Gardner-Webb slated a 2-3-4 finish.
Colby Childress touched in at second for the 'Dogs with a time of 1:48.32 at the wall.
Chase Mattingly took third with a time of 1:48.39, and
Cullen Fields took fourth with a time of 1:49.15.
The squad of
Seggio Bernardina,
Brady Fields,
Tim Bennett, and
Chase Mattingly finished second in the Men's 400 Free Relay for Gardner-Webb with a time of 3:00.33.
"I'm so proud of this group of men," commented Head Coach
Mike Blum. "Our entire team, men and women, made so many sacrifices this year in order to be able to practice and compete. To finish this season the way we did was awesome. These men represent Gardner-Webb so well and the staff and I are honored to represent GWU. We are so thankful to have the leadership on campus from AD Chuck Burch to President William Downs, their support of our program this season is a huge part of our success."
Head Coach
Mike Blum was awarded the CCSA Swimming Coach of the Year award by the conference office at the conclusion of the meet, and
Colby Childress was awarded Most Outstanding Freshman.
"Mike is very deserving of the Coach of the Year recognition", said Gardner-Webb Vice President of Athletics
Chuck Burch. "The team performed well throughout the championship, and it's obvious that Mike and his coaching staff had our swimmers ready to compete. I am happy for Mike and proud of what the team accomplished."
