The Southeastern Conference Championship titles came down to the wire Saturday, as both Florida teams hoped for a lucky break in the 400-yard freestyle relay that would give them a last-second victory.
Unfortunately for the Gators, the Auburn men’s team and the Georgia women’s team prevailed, and both UF squads finished in second place.
Senior Conor Dwyer, named SEC Male Swimmer of the Year, said UF couldn’t make up the points lost in a disappointing showing by the divers last weekend.
“We outswam them in the pool all four days,” Dwyer said. “It’s kind of tough coming up short.”
Dwyer earned two individual SEC titles, taking home the gold medal for the 500 freestyle and the 400 individual medley. The senior also collaborated with teammates to take first place in three relays and shared the Commissioner’s Trophy for the High Point Award for most individual points in the meet.
Senior Marco Loughran also earned two titles, winning the 100 and 200 backstroke.
Florida took home both SEC Freshman of the Year awards. Marcin Cieslak, who took the title in the men’s 100 butterfly. Elizabeth Beisel received the award for the women’s team after setting an SEC record in the 400 IM and swimming the nation’s fastest time this year in the 200 back.
UF coach Gregg Troy said he was thrilled with the women’s second-place finish.
“We’ve been putting things together with Band-Aids and tape all year,” Troy said. “We’ve had a bit of misfortune, and the girls did a great job.”
Troy hoped the men would win a title, but he remains positive about their chances going into the NCAA Championships in March.
“We’re a little disappointed. We thought we could do a little bit better. We left some points on the board,” he said. “But we got everyone qualified for NCAA, pretty much, that we wanted.”
Troy said he made several lineup changes and asked leaders like Dwyer to give up personal glory for the team’s sake.
“(Dwyer) gave up sure wins in certain places to help out team wise,” he said.
Troy also said the determination of Cieslak and freshman Brad deBorde were equally instrumental in the men’s near-win.
“This is a tough competition for young guys,” he said. “This is four days, and it’s intense all four.”
