2019 SOUTHEASTERN CONFERENCE SWIMMING & DIVING CHAMPIONSHIPS
- Tuesday, February 19 – Saturday, February 23
- Gabrielsen Natatorium, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia (Eastern Time Zone)
- Defending Champion: Texas A&M Women (3x), Florida men (6x)(results)
- Live results
- Live Video – SEC Network
- Championship Central
FINAL TEAM SCORES (WOMEN)
1. Texas A&M University 1107 2. University of Florida 1023.5 3. Kentucky, University of 927.5 4. Tennessee, University of, Knox 919.5 5. The University of Georgia 883.5 6. Auburn University 883 7. Missouri 640 8. University of Arkansas 517 9. South Carolina, University of, 515 10. Louisiana State University 489.5 11. University of Alabama 429.5 12. Vanderbilt University 153
Texas A&M won their 4th straight SEC Women’s Championships tonight, fighting off a rebuilt Florida team. This A&M victory is an impressive one, especially considering this team’s weakest points are likely the sprint free events. The Sprint freestyles are commonly thought of as the most beneficial events to a team, due to their double role as relay events, but A&M taught a masters class in how to get around that disadvantage. In total, the Aggies had 2 B finalist and 4 C finalists between the 50 and 100 free combined. Additionally their 200 free relay came in 5th, and the 400 free relay came in 9th. To add to the hurdles for A&M, Sydney Pickrem had to medical-scratch the 400 IM, an event where she was the defending champion.
So the question now is how did they make it past that relatively large disadvantage, and did so fairly easily. The answer is actually pretty straightforward: they have a huge amount of depth. Only 1 swimmer did not score individually for the Aggies. Even more impressively, 18 Aggies scored 20+ inidividual points. That level of depth just wasn’t matched by any other team in the conference. 6 of those swimmers scored 50+ points, while Alais Kalonji scored 49 points and Taylor Pike scored 48.
This is the list of the Aggies top scorers (50+):
- Anna Belousova – 79
- Claire Rasmus – 68
- Haley Yelle – 62
- Monika Gonzalez-Hermosillo – 58
- Sydney Pickrem – 56
- McKenna DeBever – 52
It should be noted that Pickrem would have all but certainly been the team’s top scorer had she swum the 400 IM.
It’s because of recruiting boom there you go
In a championship meet, there are 3 diving events, 9 events that are based on 50’s and 100’s, and 9 events based on 200’s and up. Don’t understand the ppint of article or emphasis on sprints. I get that relays are double, but if you finish 5th in a relay and your nearest competitor wins, it’s only 12 points (if you score to 16, not sure about scoring to 24). And really it’s only 4 events. A&M built for championships
Steve Bultman hardly ever gets that “elite swimmer” but wow he sure develops what he does get!! The women’s SEC swimming championship runs through College Station, Texas. Underdogs going in; champions when it’s over! Time to hang that 4th SEC championship banner from the rafters!! Another championship ring to add to your collection as well!! Way to go Lady Ags!! Gig em forever!!
Anna Belousova was pretty elite coming into the program who won today, so disagree somewhat with this sentiment. Generally speaking, yes he doesn’t get much top 10 recruits.
A&M’s success rate of developing ‘average to good college entry’ swimmers to dependable scorers in high level meets as reflected by this championship must be extraordinarily high. How can you not think that this is one of the best mark for a successful college program? Although the program will be fine, I would love it if they a crop of ‘elite swimmers’ to push them to NCAA championship level.
Actually all three TAMU divers scored. The depth at TAMU is such that there were girls left in College Station who could have scored in individual events. It is an amazing program.
I’ve updated it, thank you!
I think Tenn is built to be a better ncaa team than TAMU.
false. But tenn is still good.
I don’t think tamu’s relays are strong enough at next level
One answer. S-T-E-V-E B-U-L-T-M-A-N and Tanika. Ok maybe that’s 2 answers.
Total TEAM Effort !!
*Tanica 😉
Word is at least 4 tennessee swimmers came down with the flu at some point in the meet. Doesnt explain all points lost though, Texas A&M had a great meet
sounds like a weak excuse to me. Tennessee has nowhere near the depth of A&M, plain and simple.
“Doesnt explain all the points lost.” Not an excuse at all. Just a note. A&M is a great team, plain and simple.
Small, Mosely…who else?
Stanzi conveniently has the flu at a lot of big meets 🙄
I heard it was 11 of the Girlie-Vols and 5 of the Manly-Vols came down with flu and food poisoning.
Incredible, but don’t give them too much praise. When my club team won their fifth straight Age Group title they celebrated, and as a result I made them do 10 x 500s as punishment. Celebration leads to complacency!
You punishes your swimmers for celebrating…. wow
Psycho
That’s probably sarcasm
You’re why kids burn out and hate this sport
Didn’t know Merv Marinovich had a swim team.