Wingate, N.C.----Wingate University junior Felix Grieb swept the two distance events, helping the Bulldogs collect two Bluegrass Mountain Conference victories over Lenoir-Rhyne and Catawba at Shuford Pool Saturday. Wingate won 11-of-14 events, including both relay races (complete results).
 
Sophomore Slava Ohnov played a role in both relay victories as the 'Dogs touched first in the 200 Medley Relay (1:35.13) and the 200 Freestyle Relay (1:24.37). Wingate went 1-2 in both relays, racking up 30 team points as a result.
 
Team scores
 
Wingate 183, Lenoir-Rhyne 70
Wingate 216, Catawba 25
Lenoir-Rhyne 187, Catawba 36
 
What They Are Saying
 
Wingate junior Felix Grieb: "I think we did a phenomenal job at LR in our first meet since the Christmas break. Everyone was tired after two weeks of hard practices, but we kept the energy up and finished strong with good races across the board despite most people swimming off events. I could tell that everyone was excited to race for the first time in 2021. I think the meet showed that we are in great shape looking forward to our Bluegrass Mountain Conference meet in February."
 
Wingate sophomore Ethan Hathcock: "It's been wonderful to get back to racing and begin 2021 with a win. Even though we have been without meets for a month, the men's squad as a whole was excited to compete today. Our preparation shows in the victorious result of the meet."
 
"The past couple of weeks have been difficult training weeks, with many practices challenging us to give our all. Resilience is a great word to describe how the men's team has responded to the tough training. Even though our bodies have been broken down from four hours of practice a day, the team finds another level when donning the Wingate cap and representing the University."
 
"Today, I was blessed to win an event during a college dual meet for the first time ever. The experience was amazing. I was proud to put my heart into the race and touch the wall first for the team. This victory wouldn't have been possible without the amazing coaching staff or my supportive teammates cheering me on from the pool deck. I can't wait to keep this momentum moving forward into championship season."
 
Double trouble
 
Junior Layton Anderson and freshman Bozo Puhalovic joined Grieb and Ohnov with two gold medals each. Grieb won the 1000 (9:46.07) and the 500 Freestyle (4:47.09). Anderson won the 100 Butterfly (52.20) and joined Ohnov and two teammates on the meet-opening 200 Medley Relay quartet.
 
Puhalovic edged senior Iran Almeida by 0.06 seconds to win the 50 Freestyle with his triumphant time of 21.39. Puhalovic teamed with Ohnov and two others to take the meet-concluding 200 Freestyle Relay race.
 
Depth makes a difference
 
Eight different Bulldogs won an individual event. Wingate finished 1-2-3 in four events: the 100 and 200 Butterfly, the 100 Freestyle and the 200 Backstroke. Almeida touched first in the 100 Freestyle, edging junior teammate Daniel Brisuda by 0.24 seconds (47.18-47.42).
 
Almeida was the only WU senior to claim an individual victory. Wingate's individual winners included one senior, three juniors, three sophomores and one freshman.
 
Getting it done in the classroom
 
Nine Bulldog men's swimmers have unblemished 4.00 cumulative GPAs. Volunteer assistant coach Giacomo Viazzo ('20) is a good role model for his previous teammates, as he earned CoSIDA Academic All-America honors three times during his time as a Bulldog.
 
Next on the Agenda
 
Both Bulldog swimming teams return to the friendly confines of the WU Natatorium next Saturday (Jan. 23) for a Senior Day showdown with Barton. The Wingate athletic department will recognize nine seniors competing in their final season.