2017 NCAA Division II Nationals: Queens Makes It 3 Straight NCAA Titles

Photo Courtesy: Queens Athletics

The 2017 NCAA Division II National Championships came to a conclusion this Saturday, with Queens University of Charlotte claiming both the men and women’s team championships. That makes three straight NCAA victories for both the men and the women of Queens. You can see the recap of the final night of competition here, and see live results from all sessions here. Recaps from all sessions can also be found on our 2016-2017 Division II Landing Page.

The Queens women had a hard fought battle against Drury throughout the meet, going into the second and third days virtually tied. But the Royals pulled away with a strong third day, ending up grabbing the win 467 points over Drury’s second place 385. Wingate made up some ground on the last day to finish in third with 346 points.

For the men, Queens took control right from day one with a substantial points lead that they only build over the four day meet. They ended up with 563.5 points, more than 200 points ahead of runner-up Drury. Nova Southeastern used a strong last two days to vault themselves into third with 313 points.

Over the course of the four day meet a total of twelve NCAA records were broken, several multiple times between prelims and finals.

Drury was impressive throughout the meet, opening the meet with a new NCAA record in the 200 medley relay, while freshman Bailee Nunn had a record-breaking week herself, setting new marks in the 50 free and 200 breast in addition to her relay contribution.

West Florida senior Theresa Michalak had one of the most impressive meets of anybody, winning four individual NCAA titles in the 50 free, 100 butterfly, 100 breaststroke, and 100 freestyle. Her times in the 100 butterfly, 100 breaststroke, and 100 freestyle also established new NCAA records. Michalak was named Female Swimmer of the Meet for her performance, while her teammate Monica Amaral was named Female Diver of the Meet after winning both boards.

West Chester Georgia Wright broke the first individual record of the meet, opening the first night of finals with a new NCAA record in the 1000 free. In her last race of her collegiate career, Queens senior Hannah Peiffer established a new NCAA record in the 200 back.

Queens sophomore Marius Kusch was a standout on the men’s side, winning the 200 IM, 200 butterfly, and 100 free in addition to joining on record setting 400 medley, 400 free, and 800 free relays. Kusch’s time in the 200 butterfly was also a new NCAA record in the event, erasing former Queens swimmer Matthew Josa’s 2014 record. Kusch was named Male Swimmer of the Meet for his performances, while Brad Dalrymple from Grand valley State University was named Male Diver of the Meet.

The Queens’ men had a record breaking weekend with their relays, establishing new NCAA records in the 200 medley, 400 medley, 400 free, and 800 free relays.

Coaching honors went to Brian Reynolds of Drury for the Women’s Coach of the Year and Jeff Dugdale of Queens was named Men’s Coach of the Year.

Top 5 Women’s Team Scores

Queens 467
Drury 385
Wingate 346
Nova S’Eastern 250
Lindenwood 212

Top 5 Men’s Team Scores

Queens 563.5
Drury 350
Nova S’Eastern 313
Florida Southern 265
Grand Valley 255

Name*

Email*

Welcome to our community. We invite you to join our discussion. Our community guidelines are simple: be respectful and constructive, keep on topic, and support your fellow commenters. Commenting signifies that you agree to our Terms of Use