Wednesday, February 19
Annapolis, MD
Lehigh University
vs
Patriot League Championships
Men's Swimming and Diving ready to turn heads at Patriot League Championships
2/18/2020 4:22:00 PM | Men's Swimming and Diving
BETHLEHEM, Pa. – It's the time of year where magic happens, as the Lehigh men's swimming and diving team will take on the underdog role this week at the 2020 Patriot League Championships. Coming into a season where not much was thought of this team, the Mountain Hawks have snuck their way into serious conversations this week.
Taking a look back on how they got here, Lehigh will enter the 2020 PLC with a 6-1 mark in duel meets. Some major highlights and accomplishments came against Patriot League teams. First, Lehigh stormed past its Rival Lafayette, 218-69, while then coming from behind and beating Loyola (Md.) in the last event to narrowly defeat the Greyhounds, 147.5-146.5.
In a lot of sports, people talk about where you are when it matters most, the conference tournament. Well, after two big-time wins over Patriot League schools, Lehigh then went to Lewisburg and defeated the Bison of Bucknell in its regular season finale, 195-193. Lehigh comes into the PLC as one of the hottest teams.
"The men's meet is going to be very interesting. We have gained so much confidence in ourselves as we see these wins piling up," said head coach Rob Herb. "We've been through tough battles in our duel meet and I think it's only going to help our guys this week. We are the underdogs, I mean, flat out. Anytime you're the underdog you always have that advantage. You can come out swinging and you're going to land some stuff and make an impact. Confidence is key, and right now we have it."
The underdogs they will be, however Lehigh has thrived in that role this year. The resilience and determination this team has showed is a reason why fans like cheering for them. This is a group who is exciting, talented and ready to rise to the occasion.
"We've got a lot of teams that are set up to be strong in some areas and then weaker in other areas. We think we can get that No. 3 spot. The third, fourth, fifth and sixth place spot is going to be literally just spinning around. We're gelling at the right time and I think that all the pieces to the puzzle are in order." Herb said.
Lehigh can get off to a fast start on Wednesday when the 3-meter diving and relays begin. Coach Rob Herb has high praise for divers Addison Cochran and Tyler Keller. Both are coached by first-year diving coach Christina Sather.
"I think both divers are going to perform very well," expressed Herb. "Both have worked extremely hard and this is Christina's first time at the PLC. Everyone is eager to make a statement."
Throughout the season, Lehigh has showed its depth in all events. Lehigh has never stopped applying the pressure and has thrown out talent in every race. Sophomore Glenn Lasco has elevated his performance and has been one of the best swimmers in the league. Seniors Teddy Smith, Nico Lastauskas and juniors Matt Feryo, Greg Giannella, Collin Hanlon, Joey Huber and sophomore Owen Thomas have all given Lehigh the much-needed depth to score points this week.
Also, senior captain Walker Wilson will be competing in his final PLC this weekend. One of the all-time greats in program history, Wilson hold several school records and is a two-time Second Team All-Patriot League member.
"Walker is never really about himself. Honestly, the thing we've talked the most about, is not his events but actually the relay events he's going to be in. He's so pumped and so excited because we have everyone healthy. He's really grown into a team leader that understands his role but understands how to bring everybody into the fold."
Last year at the PLC, the men's team came in fifth with a total score of 330. The coaching staff and the entire team has their eyes set on beating that.
Events will begin Wednesday evening inside Lejeune Hall on the campus of the U.S. Naval Academy. The 3-meter diving trials and finals, along with the 200 and 800 medley relay finals will take place.
Taking a look back on how they got here, Lehigh will enter the 2020 PLC with a 6-1 mark in duel meets. Some major highlights and accomplishments came against Patriot League teams. First, Lehigh stormed past its Rival Lafayette, 218-69, while then coming from behind and beating Loyola (Md.) in the last event to narrowly defeat the Greyhounds, 147.5-146.5.
In a lot of sports, people talk about where you are when it matters most, the conference tournament. Well, after two big-time wins over Patriot League schools, Lehigh then went to Lewisburg and defeated the Bison of Bucknell in its regular season finale, 195-193. Lehigh comes into the PLC as one of the hottest teams.
"The men's meet is going to be very interesting. We have gained so much confidence in ourselves as we see these wins piling up," said head coach Rob Herb. "We've been through tough battles in our duel meet and I think it's only going to help our guys this week. We are the underdogs, I mean, flat out. Anytime you're the underdog you always have that advantage. You can come out swinging and you're going to land some stuff and make an impact. Confidence is key, and right now we have it."
The underdogs they will be, however Lehigh has thrived in that role this year. The resilience and determination this team has showed is a reason why fans like cheering for them. This is a group who is exciting, talented and ready to rise to the occasion.
"We've got a lot of teams that are set up to be strong in some areas and then weaker in other areas. We think we can get that No. 3 spot. The third, fourth, fifth and sixth place spot is going to be literally just spinning around. We're gelling at the right time and I think that all the pieces to the puzzle are in order." Herb said.
Lehigh can get off to a fast start on Wednesday when the 3-meter diving and relays begin. Coach Rob Herb has high praise for divers Addison Cochran and Tyler Keller. Both are coached by first-year diving coach Christina Sather.
"I think both divers are going to perform very well," expressed Herb. "Both have worked extremely hard and this is Christina's first time at the PLC. Everyone is eager to make a statement."
Throughout the season, Lehigh has showed its depth in all events. Lehigh has never stopped applying the pressure and has thrown out talent in every race. Sophomore Glenn Lasco has elevated his performance and has been one of the best swimmers in the league. Seniors Teddy Smith, Nico Lastauskas and juniors Matt Feryo, Greg Giannella, Collin Hanlon, Joey Huber and sophomore Owen Thomas have all given Lehigh the much-needed depth to score points this week.
Also, senior captain Walker Wilson will be competing in his final PLC this weekend. One of the all-time greats in program history, Wilson hold several school records and is a two-time Second Team All-Patriot League member.
"Walker is never really about himself. Honestly, the thing we've talked the most about, is not his events but actually the relay events he's going to be in. He's so pumped and so excited because we have everyone healthy. He's really grown into a team leader that understands his role but understands how to bring everybody into the fold."
Last year at the PLC, the men's team came in fifth with a total score of 330. The coaching staff and the entire team has their eyes set on beating that.
Events will begin Wednesday evening inside Lejeune Hall on the campus of the U.S. Naval Academy. The 3-meter diving trials and finals, along with the 200 and 800 medley relay finals will take place.
Players Mentioned
Dive
/ Men's Swimming and Diving
Back/Free
/ Men's Swimming and Diving
Free
/ Men's Swimming and Diving
Free
/ Men's Swimming and Diving
Dive
/ Men's Swimming and Diving
Free
/ Men's Swimming and Diving
Breast/Fly/IM
/ Men's Swimming and Diving
Fly/Free
/ Men's Swimming and Diving
Back/Fly
/ Men's Swimming and Diving
Back/Free
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