Records Fall As Swimmers Wrap Up 2006-07 Campaign At League Championships

March 1, 2007

The Butler swimming team closed out the 2006-07 campaign with a bang, swimming to five school records and a list of season-best and personal-best times at the Horizon League Championships from Feb. 21-24.

The men's team led the way with four school marks, including top times in the 200 freestyle relay (1:25.49), 400 free relay (3:09.38) and 800 free relay (6:59.49). Senior Raj Duggal added a record of his own, topping his previous best time in the 500 freestyle (4:35.59).

Senior Mary Beth Arnold added an all-time best mark in the 100 breaststroke, besting her own record-time with a 1:05.52.

The season proved to be one of the most successful in recent history, as the women's team notched a total of 22 top-10 times, including 14 in the tournament, while the men's squad compiled 31 top-10 marks on the year, with 20 coming in the championship meet.

Both teams continued to improve under second-year head coach Maurice Stewart, as the women's team improved their Horizon League Championship point total by 11 (146 in 2006 to 157 in 2007) while the men increased their total by 18 (201 to 219).

Meanwhile, the tournament also provided some of the swimmers' fastest times of the season, as well as of their careers. Ninety-five percent (34-of-36) of the women's times in the tournament were season-best marks, while 67 percent (24-of-36) were lifetime bests. For the men, every one of their times in the tournament went for season-best times (28-of-28), while 68 percent (19-of-28) were personal bests.

"It has been a good season for us this year despite the decision to discontinue the men's team next year," head coach Maurice Stewart said. "This young team has made tremendous improvements through hard work, commitment, and perseverance, which paid off with a successful conference meet.

"I was impressed with our team spirit, with our swimmers encouraging one another and our senior leadership throughout the meet. It helped us earn multiple final swims, break five school records and score more points than last season."