The Lakers have made their way to Buffalo, New York for the 2023 NJCAA Swimming and Diving National Championships taking place from March 1 to 5th. The Lakers are coming into Nationals with 14 qualifying athletes, 4 women and 10 men, which is the largest qualifying team for the program since 2015.
On the women's side we have multiple overall top 8 rankings, with Moana Wind leading the way. Wind is ranked 3rd in the 100 IM, 4th in the 100 & 200 breaststroke. Gabriela Darakchieva is also ranked well in her primary events, ranking 7th in the 50 backstroke, 8th in the 200 back, and 9th in the 100 backstroke. Sophomore Allison Graff has been dropping time consistently to earn some top 16 spots in the NJCAA, she is currently ranked 14th in the 200 free, and 16th in both the 100 and 200 backstroke. Freshman Rylee Valentine wraps up the qualifying women and Valentine is ranked 18th in the 200 free and 16th in the 100 IM. The Laker ladies are especially excited for Nationals because this is the first time in 4 seasons that the Lady Lakers have had 4 women qualify for the National Tournament and are able to compete in the relay events!
The men's side is also eager to compete, looking to easily outscore and place higher than their 5th place finish last year. They are also threatening numerous school records, including relay records. Sophomore Eduardo Martiniano leads the way with a 6th place ranking in the 100 backstroke, and a 7th place ranking in the 50 freestyle. Freshman Marcelo Rojas is looking to make a splash with his NJCAA rankings, earning an 8th place ranking in the 400 IM and the 200 breaststroke. Sophomores Erik Graff and Andres Santana lead the rankings for the Laker men in the breaststroke events, Graff ranking 9th and Santana ranking 10th in the 50 breaststroke, both looking to crack the top 8. The Lakers men are just as excited for their relays, breaking a school record at our mid season meet, they are looking to improve that record and challenge a few more throughout the week.
"Our Laker Swim and Dive team have been working hard and swimming fast since their first day of season, the work and effort they put in has been reflected in the fast swims they have thrown down in the season so far, as well as the 6 school records they have broken so far. I, along with the team, are eager, and thrilled for this week of competition at the 2023 NJCAA Nationals," commented Head Coach Giordan Harris.
PHOTO: Photo of Iowa Lakes Swim team attached.
MEDIA: For more information, please contact Head Men's & Women's Swim Coach at (978) 852-5209 or the Iowa Lakes sports information office at (712) 362-7928.