The Bearcats have done it again. Expectations were high as the Binghamton men’s and women’s swimming and diving teams entered the highly contested ECAC championships at Harvard University’s Blodgett Pool, and once again, the Bearcats lived up to them.

In a pool featuring perennial powerhouses Johns Hopkins, Marist and host school Harvard, the men’s team posted an impressive sixth place finish at the meet over the weekend. The men were once again led by British phenom David Holmes, who won gold in the 500 free and both the 100 and 200 fly. Holmes set a new championship record in the 500 free with a time of 4:23.68, in addition to posting NCAA cut times in each of his individual races.

Senior co-captain Brian Koizim also had an impressive weekend, capturing the 200 back and being a member of the three winning Bearcat relay teams. This was a dramatic improvement for Koizim, whose previous best finish at the ECAC was fifth in the 200 back.

The Bearcats also displayed their younger talent in sophomore Ryan Graham, who finished fifth in the finale on the boards, and sophomore Brian Koralewski, who swam the last leg of two of the Bearcats’ winning relays.

The women’s team finished an impressive 11th place in a strong group of 32 teams. The ladies finished ahead of America East champions UMBC and conference rival Boston University.

The women’s team was highlighted by freshman sensation Allyce Brand, who finished strong in 200 breast, posting the best individual finish by a Bearcat woman. The relay team of Brand, sophomore Taryn Ferrara, junior Nicole Sweeney and sophomore Katherine Hassfurter, finished 10th to end the meet.

‘We have shown that Binghamton University can compete in the region,’ said head coach Sean Clark. ‘It was a fitting end to a terrific season.’

The Bearcats men’s team was once again ordained with honors for both its coaches and top swimmer. Senior David Holmes was named Most Outstanding Swimmer of the Meet, the highest honor at the ECAC championships.

‘This is yet another well-deserved honor for David,’ Clark said. ‘Seeing him repeat as the conference champion is a tribute to not only himself, but to his teammates as well.’

Clark was also honored at the tournament, named ECAC Coach of the Meet.

‘I cannot say enough about the job my staff has done,’ Clark said, adding, ‘I’ve rode their backs and those of my swimmers. This award is as much theirs as it is mine.’

The ECAC meet ends a successful Bearcat season, but also means the end of the careers of swimmers Trevor Stone, Brian Koizim and David Holmes. These three swimmers have proved themselves as excellent swimmers for the Bearcats and will be a significant loss for the men’s team.