Air Force Academy
Seattle
Falcons defeat Seattle in dual at Academy
1/14/2017 12:00:00 AM | Men's Swimming and Diving
by Quinn Horner
U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. -- Air Force improved to 8-0 overall this season with a 123.00-75.00 win over Seattle, Saturday, Jan. 14 at the Cadet Natatorium. Outside of the 100 butterfly, the Falcons won every event in the meet.
"Last night was lots of great racing and they're tired today, but they're doing the right things," head coach Rob Clayton said. "We're preparing for the conference championships and the guys are doing everything right in order to defend our title. Overall, it was a great weekend and the guys did a super job. Now it's time to zero in for our championship in five weeks."
At the last home meet of the 2016-2017 season, the Falcons took the time to recognize the seniors who have been integral to the success of the team. The Class of 2017, made up of Jordan Dahle, Devon Davis, A.J. Eckebrecht, Andrew Faciszewski, Kevin Fanter, Zach Knoche, Kevin Pollard, and Kris Tillery, scored the lion's share of points at conference last year and led the team to the first conference championship in school history.
"I took a step back and realized the last four years I've spent with this group of guys has been amazing," Dahle said. "It's somber to close this chapter, but I'm excited for the future." Co-captain Kris Tillery also reminisced, "It's bittersweet and I'm amazed at how quickly the time has gone by. I've enjoyed every minute of it and I'll definitely miss the guys a lot. I'm leaving here with the best friends of my life."
In addition to a successful meet and senior recognition, the men's team was awarded their conference championship rings by Athletic Director, Jim Knowlton. For the first time in school history, men's swimming won the 2016 WAC Champions title.
Last, Casey Converse was honored for his contribution to Air Force Academy swimming after an impressive 29 year legacy. Coach Clayton added, "We had a great opportunity to say goodbye to Coach Converse during his last home meet as coach here. I do want to acknowledge and recognize the legacy Coach Converse leaves, not only with the women's swimming program, but with Air Force swimming and diving as a whole. He's done an incredible job here over the last three decades and he will be missed."
The Falcons resume competition next week as they head to Las Vegas for a dual meet against UNLV on January 21 at 12 p.m.
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Players Mentioned
