Before Program Cut, Marshall’s Lauren McNamara Claims American Conference Title; Elyse Wood Sets School Record
A little more than a week after Marshall University announced it was cutting its women’s swimming and diving program, the Thundering Herd registered several strong performances at the American Conference Championships in Greensboro, North Carolina. Marshall finished eighth in the team standings, scoring 707.5 points during the last competition for the program.
“What an honor it is to lead these women,” said head coach Ian Walsh. “Through everything, this group has taken each day with grace, grit, and determination. Our final day was one to remember.”
Freshman Elyse Wood set a program record in the 100-yard freestyle on the final day of the American Conference Champs. After tying the school standard in the prelims with an effort of 49.44, Wood cut a sizable chunk of time during the finals, where she was clocked in 48.82.
On the second day of the meet, Lauren McNamara claimed the conference championship in the 200 butterfly. McNamara set a pair of school records in the event during the American Conference Champs, as she went 1:58.25 during prelims and lowered the Marshall standard to 1:58.16 during finals. A sophomore, McNamara broke the 200 fly program record on five occasions during her career with the Thundering Herd.
“(McNamara’s) championship was a culmination of our entire team,” Walsh said. “This sport, by nature, is seen as individual. All our women played a part in that performance. It was a beautiful race execution and I couldn’t be more proud of her.”