Some people would consider the Binghamton men’s swimming and diving teams champions even without the title.
It has been a magical season for the Bearcats, highlighted by a victory against the defending America East champions and nemesis UMBC, as they finished the season undefeated against conference opponents.
While claiming the championship title would be a dream come true for the swim program, it is simply not feasible. The Binghamton squad lacks the depth necessary to overtake UMBC.
“As a team we have the ability to win a lot of races, including most of the relays, but we don’t really have the squad depth to challenge UMBC and Stony Brook,” said junior David Holmes.
Junior Brian Koizim agreed.
“If we add a bit more depth, we will certainly continue to creep up on UMBC at conference champs,” Koizim said.
The men will certainly be able to steal some significant points away from the competition at this year’s conference championships at Boston, and have a chance of upsetting Stony Brook for second place.
“I think it is possible, but we will need some crazy swims,” Koizim said. “As Sean Clarke [the assistant coach] would say, ‘a bit of magic.’”
Binghamton squeaked out victories against UMBC and Stony Brook in dual meets earlier this season, so one might wonder: Why can’t they do it at Championships?
“The points scoring system at Champs gives points for first to 16th place, where as in a normal meet only first through fifth score,” Holmes explained. “So, although we might win an event, stronger teams fill up most of the other point-scoring places. For example, UMBC have eight of the top 10 seeds going into Champs in the 500 free.”
Binghamton is looking more toward personal performances. For sophomore Kaan Tayla, there are hopes of making the NCAA cut.
“Kaan was 0.4 of a second away from booking his ticket to the NCAAs already this year, without shaving,” Holmes said. “So, I think he can do it.”
Tayla was awarded Most Outstanding Swimmer and Most Outstanding Rookie at last year’s conference championships, winning three individual events: the 50 (20.72), 100 (45.11) and 200 (1:40.84) freestyle.
Holmes is also capable of winning a few individual events. Aside from being named the America East Swimming Performer of the Week six times this season, Holmes made a hobby of breaking school records, including the 50-meter freestyle record previously held by Tayla.
The tag-team duo of Tayla and Holmes put up a formidable challenge in the relays, along with junior Brian Koizim and freshman Brenno Varanda. The skilled depth these swimmers bring to the relays allows Binghamton to experiment, and in effect stack the races.
“We have a good chance to win four of the five relays and as many as eight of the 13 individuals, but not all of our swimmers are going to make it into the top 16 like UMBC,” Holmes said.
For the women, freshman Aleksandra Grubic will lead the way. The women placed seventh at last year’s championship.
Freshman Ryan Graham looks to lead the men’s diving squad and freshman Katherine Hassfurter looks to do the same for the women.