Gruender betters her school record at NCAA Championships
3/17/2022 10:37:00 AM | Women's Swim and Dive
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Sophomore earns two top 25 finishes in her debut at Nationals
INDIANAPOLIS - Sophomore Maddy Gruender had another outstanding performance Thursday at the NCAA Division III Championships. She bettered her own school record in the 200 Freestyle and finished 19th overall in the country.
"We couldn't be more proud of Maddy for representing the Slugs at the national level the way she did," said head coach Matthew Crawford. "Her incredible season that culminated at the national championship is a testament to what hard work and the right attitude can lead to. She has been an excellent steward for our program and our school here in Indianapolis."
Gruender finished her heat in 1:51.45. That time was 0.25 seconds better than her old record, set last month at the PCSC Championships. Gruender was the first Banana Slug to make it to Nationals -man or woman- since 2017. On Wednesday, Gruender competed in the 500 Free. She finished her preliminary heat in 5:01.78, good enough for 25th in the country.
"After a decent first swim in the 500, she was able to drop time in her 200 free with an excellent race, lowering her own school record and finishing 19th in the country," Crawford said. "This is a meet where 75% of the swims are slower than their entry time, and she managed to improve upon her swim from PCSC. And she has proven that perhaps the only thing she does better than swim is make new friends. She's already looking forward to next year in Greensboro."
Gruender set school records in the 100, 200 and 500 Free this season, as well as being part of two school record relays.
Gruender raced twice at the NCAA Championships in Indianapolis to close a stupendous sophomore season (Photo courtesy of Matt Crawford)
