Wingate, N.C.----The Wingate University men's and women's swimming teams celebrated Senior Day in style, sweeping a dual meet with Barton at the WU Natatorium Saturday (complete results). The Bulldog women claimed a 178-63 decision, while the WU men earned a 154-96 victory. The University athletic department honored 11 seniors in pre-meet ceremonies.
 
What They Are Saying
 
Wingate head coach Kirk Sanocki: "This is the time of our year when we do our hardest training. I think this is one of the best team Senior Day performances we have had in recent memory. We are looking forward to the next month and hoping we have an opportunity to finish…we are so close to the end."
 
"I think given the circumstances surrounding the 2020-21 season…our seniors and our entire team know how special this day is. This day could have easily not happened…and they do not take this fact lightly."
 
"Any time we have an opportunity to have a home meet to showcase our seniors…the remaining team members have a chance to appreciate and recognize the leadership our seniors provide. For the coaching staff, these days are always special and fun."
 
Wingate senior team captain Maike Hoener (Hanover, Germany): "I was looking forward to this day since my freshman year…when I saw the 2018 seniors walking through the tunnel. I can't really believe it, but today was my turn and it is crazy that the time went by so fast. Having Senior Day made me realize that our time is coming to an end soon; however, it also made me recap all the great memories I got with this team!"
 
"I am thankful for every single teammate who made my time at Wingate unforgettable. Additionally, I would like to thank the coaches who helped me achieve my goals and grow as a person."
 
"Seeing the team race and enjoy each other's company on the pool deck makes me so happy that I cannot wait for the Bluegrass Mountain Conference to happen. We look very strong in the water and I have no doubt that we will kill it! I am very proud of this team and pleased to call them my Bulldog Family!"
 
Wingate senior Andrew Lockhart (Fort Mill, S.C.): "I had a fantastic last home meet swimming with the team! We had great energy and atmosphere throughout the all our swims today and I am so proud to be a part of this team. I can't wait for the next few weeks leading up to the Bluegrass Mountain Conference meet and the NCAAs."

Barton at Wingate notes
 
WOMEN
- Hoener contributed to two WU victories
- She teamed with three seniors to win the 400 Medley Relay (3:56.00)
- Later in the day, Hoener touched first in the 200 Individual Medley (2:06.39)
- Senior Kelley Jones joined Hoener with two wins
- Jones swam the meet-opening 400 Medley Relay and won the 500 Freestyle (5:03.83)
- Wingate posted six 1-2-3 finishes in the 200 Freestyle, the 100 and the 200 Backstroke, the 100 Breaststroke, the 200 Butterfly and the 50 Freestyle
- The Bulldogs won 13-of-14 events
 
MEN
- Andrew Lockhart won the 100 Breaststroke with a time of 57.66
- Senior Iran Almeida represented the elder statesmen with his 50 Freestyle triumph (20.96)
- Junior team captain James Reindl won the 200 Individual Medley (1:57.56)
- Reindl finished third in the 100 Breaststroke (1:00.00) in support of Lockhart's efforts
- Wingate won 11-of-14 events
- The Bulldogs recorded 1-2-3 finishes in the 200 Freestyle, the 100 Breaststroke and the 50 Freestyle
 
Next on the Agenda
 
Wingate will compete in the Bluegrass Mountain Conference meet in February. The annual event features a new venue in 2021…the Fort Mill YMCA.