Swim and Dive teams embrace rebuilding year

With nearly half its roster made up of newcomers, the Augustana swimming and diving teams are heading into a new season with fresh faces, high energy and championship ambitions.

Both the men’s and women’s teams opened the fall by testing themselves against Division I competition. The men faced the University of South Dakota on Oct. 3, falling 224–74, while the women competed at South Dakota State on Oct. 10, coming up short 203–96. 

The early meets, head coach Andrew Makepeace said, were about shaking off the rust and finding rhythm.

“We have a lot of new faces and a lot of learning curves to grow through,” Makepeace said. “They’ve done a great job so far embracing the challenges and building our culture.”

Makepeace said the men’s squad in particular has shown early promise.

“The men have a chance to be nationally ranked this year for the first time in program history,” he said. “If we go the way we are, we will get there.”

The women’s team, which finished 22nd at nationals last season, hopes to build on that momentum despite graduating several seniors. 

“We still have a core group that can do big things again,” Makepeace said.

Junior swimmer Sofia Hein, who specializes in sprint and mid-distance freestyle, said that while the practices have been intense, the focus on team chemistry has made all the difference. 

“Outside of the pool, we’ve been really focusing on coming together as a team,” Hein said. “It makes a big difference when we race, having that support system behind you.” 

On the men’s side, junior diver David Binsfeld said the team’s youth brings optimism. 

“There’s a lot of talent with the freshmen, so it’s exciting to see where the team is going,” he said. “Going hard at practice builds a strong base for the championship part of our season.”

Hein, who competed at nationals on last year's women’s 400-yard freestyle relay team, said this season’s training is geared towards focusing on perfecting the small things both individually and in relays.

“Once I’m in the pool, I’m focused on the little details that will add up to the results I want,” Hein said.

Binsfeld, who competed in the 1-meter and 3-meter dives at nationals last year is also focusing on fine-tuning. 

Binsfeld added, “My goal is just to keep working on the little things and not set expectations at unreachable levels.”

Makepeace said October meets serve as learning opportunities before competition intensifies. 

“As we approach November, that’s when things start to ramp up,” he said. “Practice has been a blend of challenging them to improve while also helping the newcomers learn our terminology and routines.”

Despite early losses, both squads remain confident. Between the energy of the newcomers, the leadership of returners, and the steady build of training, Augustana expects steady growth throughout the season.

“We have a really strong team as far as their abilities as student athletes,” Makepeace said. “Come out and support them.”

The Vikings will compete this weekend at the Coyote Invite as they pursue another standout season.