The SLU Swim and Dive team once again headed back to Chicago for the three day Phoenix Fall Classic meet on Nov. 17. Out of the seven teams, SLU Billikens earned third overall, just behind New York University (NYU) and University of Chicago. Despite the difficult competition SLU held their own against the other teams.

      NYU ended with a score of 1482 and 659.7 points, Chicago ended with a score of 1281 and 653.0 points, and SLU just fell behind at a score of 884 and 618.7 points. The Billiken swimmers left Chicago with 65% season bests and 29% personal bests, making the meet an overall success. 

     The women’s senior class performed phenomenally well as they helped lead the team with top scores. Distance senior swimmer Emily Leonard contributed the most points. Not far behind, seniors Lettie Williams and Maragaret Mcpherson contributed to the complete tally. The SLU seniors contributed to an overall solid total score.

     The Billiken men continued this momentum when competing in their events. Top point earners seemed to come from the sophomore class, with Ben Militti, Brae Sanchez and Logan Townsend all dominating in their respective events. Junior Franklin Liu and senior Jack Locke proved useful to the team as well with the points they contributed. 

      Not only did the swimmers have a successful meet, but the few SLU divers did, as well. With a team of just four, freshman Ben Mears proves to be a promising addition to the squad. He earned first place overall in the one meter diving, with junior Jacob Wasserman earning third. 

     Billikens will have to wait until Jan. 19 for their next meet against Omaha held at home, the Simon Rec Center. For more information on future meets and specific swimmers the Instagram. @slu_swimdive is always being updated.