Athletics
2019-20 Swimming and Diving Recap
Coach Andrew Bretscher with the Keydet swimmers at the VMI versus Washington and Lee swim meet, held at W&L, Jan. 11, 2020. Photo by Randall K. Wolf for VMI.
The VMI men’s and women’s swimming and diving teams had a very successful 2019-20 campaign. The men’s team broke 14 records during the season, with Jack Sheehan ’23 setting eight individual marks and joining three record-setting relay teams. Zach Emerson ’22 holds two new records and is a member of two relay teams that set program records during the year. On the women’s side, Sophie Svoboda ’22 holds 15 records, including two relays.
On Dec. 10, the Keydets nearly swept the America East Conference aquatic awards. Sheehan earned Male Swimmer of the Week. Calle Biles ’20 and Bridger Thurston ’23 captured the Female and Male Diver of the Week honors.
The men’s team won three dual meets, defeating Centre College and Mount St. Mary’s twice.
The Keydets had several top finishes at the America East Championships Feb. 13-16, including Sheehan taking fourth in the 100-yard backstroke, 200-yard breaststroke and 200 individual medley. The men’s 800-yard freestyle relay team of Sheehan, Jacob Smilie ’20, Connor Doyle ’23 and Ryan Cooper ’22 also finished fourth.
Svoboda paced the women’s team at the AE Championships; placing 11th in the 200-yard IM, 14th in the 100 breaststroke and 19th in the 200-yard breaststroke.
