Cardinal Swimming, Moving in the Right Direction

The Wheeling Jesuit University Men’s and Women’s Swimming Program experienced a rebirth of sorts this season.  “Two summers ago we had two students returning to Wheeling Jesuit, this year we boasted 24 on the team,” Head Coach Rick West said.  Both the men’s and women’s teams won more dual meets than the past five seasons combined.  The women garnered wins against Fairmont, Frostburg, and Urbana.  The men ended the season with a 7-5 record. 

Several individuals won team awards this year. 

The freshman of the year awards went to Andrea Fitzgibbon for the women and Max Queale for the men. 

The Women’s Coach’s award went to senior captain Ali Hengesbach. 

The Shotwell Award (Named after Wheeling Jesuit’s first Head Coach) went to Matt Bartoszek for the men’s coach’s award. 

The swimmers of the year went to senior Kevin Rico for the men and Chelsea Guiseppi for the women. 

The Cardinals will graduate four seniors this season.  Matt Bartoszek, Kevin Rico, Ali Hengesbach and Sara Bell will all move to the alumni end of the Jesuit family.  However, the largest freshman class in the school’s history will be coming to campus in late August.  “We have about 25 freshman and transfers coming to Jesuit next season.  We are very excited about the opportunity this provides for us.  I am extremely proud of Nikki Rose, our recruiting coordinator for her efforts in helping to put this class together,” said Head Coach Rick West.

The Cardinals will open the season with the Red & Gold meet at home on September 19th.  The season finally will be at the Appalachian Swimming Championships in Huntington, WV on February 19th.