GLENSIDE, Pa. - The Arcadia University men's and women's swimming teams open their 2021-22 seasons Saturday at Hood, marking the Knights' first dual meet since January 31, 2020.
Related: Arcadia Men's Swimming Schedule | Arcadia Women's Swimming Schedule
The Knights enter the 2021-22 dual meet season aiming to build on the successes throughout last spring, culminating in a historic run at the 2021 Middle Atlantic Conference (MAC) Swimming Championships. Arcadia returns a host of key contributors on both the men's and women's programs from a season ago under the direction of second-year head coach Mike Kokoszka.
"On the women's side, we have good depth in many different events," Kokoszka remarked. The expectations for them are pretty high and to be competing for a championship at the end of the year."
The women's program enters the 2021-22 season after winning a team-record 13 medals at last season's MAC Championships while placing fourth overall in the meet.
Risa Krauss led the Knights in three-day event with a meet-best 91 points to become the program's first-ever David B. Eavenson Award winner - honoring the MAC Swimmer of the Year - highlighted by gold medals in the 100-yd and 200-yd breaststroke events with conference and championship meet records and NCAA 'B' cut qualifications.
Arcadia also returns individual medalists
Julia Stephens,
Grace Brooks, and
Emily Raedisch who will look to take another step forward during the dual meet season. Stephens took home gold in the 100-yd freestyle and Brooks captured gold in the 200-yd backstroke while Raedisch earned a pair of bronze medals in the 100-yd backstroke and 100-yd butterfly.
"On the men's side, they're ready for the challenge to step up and contribute valuable points," Kokoszka continued. "Every person on the men's team is super important this year and we're looking for everyone to contribute in their own way."
The men's program brings a predominantly underclass roster into the fold in 2021-22, but a strong veteran presence will provide a solid balance throughout the dual meet season.
Janis Kirsis looks to continue his early-career success in his junior year after earning three medals and finishing seventh overall in the championship meet. He won his first career gold medal in the 200-yd individual medley and also raced to silver in the 200-yd backstroke and bronze in the 100-yd event.
Sophomores
George Wade and
Carlos Pinga aim to build off their strong showings during April's championship meet. Wade picked up a pair of silver medals in the 200-yd and 100-yd breaststroke events while placing tenth overall in the meet with 81 points. Pinga also put together a solid weekend, earning 76 points to place 14th overall.
