Wingate Leads Men’s and Women’s SAC Swimming Championship After Day One

GREENSBORO, N.C. - The Wingate Bulldogs lead both the men's and women's standings after the first day of the South Atlantic Conference Swimming Championships. 

The Bulldogs had a historic start to the 2025 Championships as both the men and women set meet records in the 800 Yard Freestyle Relay. Both finishes earned an NCAA DII B Cut in the event. 

Wingate's female team of Elizabete Paula Ozola, Nina Azirovic, Giulianna Garcia, and Lucie Andrews finished first with a time of 7:26.49. The mark bests the previous meet record of 7:27.46 set by Wingate in 2023. 

Catawba's team of Danielle Meinema, Ella Gutenwik, Fiona Byrne, and Taylor Wilson touched second in 7:33.27, followed by Carson-Newman with a 7:46.15. Lenoir-Rhyne finished fourth at 7:59.56, just beating Mars Hill's 7:59.65. Emory & Henry finished sixth with an 8:25.85. 

Not to be outdone, the Wingate men's 800 Yard Freestyle relay team comprised of Yassine Sebbata, Vladimir Krstulovic, Gabriel Costa, and Anton Witzell finished with a meet record of 6:29.93. This time, narrowly beating the previous record of 6:30.74 set by Wingate in 2023. 

Catawba's team of Lassi Niemi, Nazar Herashchenko, Joao Oliveira, and Cameron Watson took second place with a time of 6:38.72. Lenoir-Rhyne captured third swimming a 6:50.39 followed by Mars Hill touching at 6:52.37. Emory & Henry finished fifth with a time of 7:43.45. 

Results at the conclusion of the day can be found below. Day two begins tomorrow with prelims at 10:00 AM and finals at 5:00 PM 

Women – Team Rankings – Through Event 2 

1. Wingate University 64 

2. Catawba College 56 

3. Carson-Newman University 54 

4. Lenoir-Rhyne University 52 

5. Mars Hill University 50 

6. Emory & Henry University 48 

Men – Team Rankings – Through Event 2 

1. Wingate University 64 

2. Catawba College 56 

3. Lenoir-Rhyne University 54 

4. Mars Hill University 52 

5. Emory & Henry University 50 

6. Carson-Newman University -