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2012-13 Season in Review
Libby Westrate Receives Academic Recognition (5/21/13)
Recent Hope graduate Libby Westrate of Grandville (Grandville HS) has been named to the Division III Capital One Academic All-District team in the at-large category. A biology major with a minor in Spanish, Westrate was captain of the swimming/diving team as a junior and senior and was named the outstanding female swimmer in the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) both years. She was named Hope's outstanding female athlete in the Class of 2013. continue
   
Luisa Burgess, Hannah Larson, Klare Northuis, Libby Westrate
Flying Dutch Achieve Honorable All-America in Relay (3/23/13)
The Flying Dutch achieved honorable mention All-America recognition in the final event of the NCAA Division III swimming and diving championships in Texas on Saturday night. The quartet of sophomore Luisa Burgess of Pittsburgh, Pa. (Taylor Allderice HS); freshman Hannah Larson of Jackson (Jackson HS), freshman Klare Northuis of Holland (Holland HS), and senior Libby Westrate of Grandville (Grandville HS) finished eighth in the consolation finals of the 400-yard freestyle relay and 16th overall with a season-best time of 3:29.80. Hope swimmers also competed in two individual events on the final day of competition. Westrate was 26th among 42 competitors in the 100-yard freestyle (:52.05) while Larson was 25th among 31 swimmers in the 200-yard backstroke with a season-best clocking of 2:05.35. Hope ended 51st among the 54 schools that scored with two points.
Flying Dutch Continue to Compete at Nationals (3/22/13)
The third day of competition at the NCAA Division III swimming championships in Texas found the Flying Dutch finishing 18th among 21 entries in the 800-yard freestyle relay. The quartet of Hannah Larson, Klare Northuis, Luisa Burgess and Libby Westrate was timed in a season-best 7:42.86. Competing on Saturday will be Hannah Larson in the 200-yard backstroke and the 400-yard freestyle relay.
National Championships Underway in Texas (3/20/13)
On the first day of the NCAA Division III national swimming championships
in Texas, senior Libby Westrate (Grandville HS) was unable to advance from
the prelims in the 50-yard freestyle. She tied for the 16th (:23.67) and
final spot among 46 competitors
but then lost in a swim-off to determine who would advance to the consolation
finals. The meet continues Thursday with Hope entered in the 200-yard freestyle
relay and Westrate in the 200-yard freestyle.
Four swimmers are competing in seven events at national competition in Shenandoah, Texas through Saturday. Representing the Flying Dutch, coached by
John Patnott, are sophomore Luisa Burgess of Pittsburgh, Pa. (Taylor Allderice HS); freshman
Hannah Larson of Jackson (Jackson HS), freshman Klare Northuis of Holland (Holland
HS), and Westrate of Grandville.
Four Hope Swimmers Qualify for NCAA Championships (3/6/13)
Four Hope swimmers have qualified for seven events at the NCAA Division III women's swimming and diving championships to be held March 20 - 23 at the Conroe ISD Natatorium in
Shenandoah, Texas. Representing the Flying Dutch, coached by John Patnott, will be sophomore Luisa Burgess of Pittsburgh, Pa. (Taylor Allderice HS); freshman Hannah Larson of Jackson (Jackson HS), freshman Klare Northuis of Holland (Holland HS), and senior Libby Westrate of Grandville (Grandville HS).
Westrate will be competing in three freestyle events for a fourth consecutive year. She is seeded fourth in the 50-free (:23.34), sixth in the 100-free (:51.16) and 18th in the 200-free (1:52.34). Westrate holds the Hope record in all three events. She was chosen the MIAA's most valuable female swimmer this season after sweeping the three freestyle events.
The Flying Dutch will compete in the three freestyle relays. The quartet of Burgess, Larson, Northuis and Westrate qualified for nationals as the 16th seed in the 400 freestyle relay (3:30.57). As a qualifier, they are also eligible to swim in the 200 freestyle relay where they are seeded 17th (1:35.78) and the 800 freestyle relay where they are seeded 21st (7:46.38).
As a member of a qualifying relay team and having performed a conditional qualifying time in an individual event, Larson is eligible to compete in the 200 backstroke where she is seeded 27th (2:05.48).
All-MIAA Honors are Announced (2/22/13)
Nine members of the Hope College swimming and diving teams
have received all-conference honors from the Michigan Intercollegiate
Athletic Association (MIAA).
Headlining the honorees is senior Libby Westrate of Grandville
(Grandville HS) who has been named the women's MIAA most valuable
swimmer for the second year in-a-row. Westrate was a triple winner at
the conference championship meet capturing the 50, 100 and 200 free.
Over her conference career, she was an individual gold medal winner 11
out of a possible 12 race opportunities. She was the four-time champion in the 100
and 200 free. She was also a member of seven of Hope's MIAA champion
relay teams. She holds the Hope records in the 50, 100 and 200 free
and the MIAA record in the 50 free.
Joining Westrate as a four-time all-leaguer is senior Josh Grabijas of
Howell (Howell HS). Honored for a third consecutive year is junior
Nick Hazekamp of Janesville, Wisc. (Joseph A. Craig HS). Senior Erin
Holstad of Traverse City (Traverse City West HS) is a first-time
honoree.
Five Flying Dutch are among a league-record 11 freshmen to be honored
-- Hannah Larson of Jackson (Jackson HS), Klare Northuis of Holland
(Holland HS), Sarah Sheridan of Richmond, Ind. (Richmond HS), Jorgie
Watson of Grand Rapids (GR Catholic Central HS), and Lindsay
Wiederhold of Plainwell (Plainwell HS).
MIAA Championships Conclude
Flying Dutch Second; Flying Dutchmen Third
Complete Results /
See Photos from Championships
The Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) swimming and diving championships have concluded. Kalamazoo repeated as the men's champion while the Flying Dutchmen were third while Calvin again won the women's crown while the Flying Dutch ended second.
Final Men's Team Scores: 1. Kalamazoo 895.5. 2. Calvin 666. 3. Hope 527.5. 4. Albion 464.5. 5. Olivet 367. 6. Alma 246.5.
Final Women's Team Scores: 1. Calvin 802.5. 2. Hope 764.5. 3. Kalamazoo 569.5. 4. Alma 406. 5. Albion 393. 6. Olivet 232. 7. Saint Mary's 224.5.
Saturday Highlights
Freshman Hannah Larson broke the MIAA record in winning the women's 200 backstroke with an NCAA conditional qualifying time of 2:05.48.
For the second time in the meet, there was a tie for first as Hope junior Nick Hazekamp and Kalamazoo's Kevin Ewing touched the wall simultaneously in the men's 200 backstroke in 1:51.53. Hazekamp earlier was the winner in the 100 backstroke.
Senior Libby Westrate ended her career a gold medal winner for the 11th time over her collegiate career. On Saturday she won the 100 freestyle (:51.16) for a fourth consecutive year. She earlier took the gold in the 200 free for a fourth consecutive year and made it three in-a-row by winning the 50 free.
The Flying Dutch ended the meet the way they began it -- winning a freestyle relay. This time it was the 400 freestyle relay with the quartet of Klare Northuis, Luisa Burgess, Hannah Larson and Libby Westrate timed in an NCAA conditional qualifying time of 3:30.57.
Flying Dutch placing in Saturday's championship finals included: Emma DeBoef, 5th in 1650 free (18:21.14); Maria Kieft, 6th in 200 back (2:10.47); Laura Cameron, 7th in 200 back (2:13.38); Klare Northuis, 3rd in 100 free (:53.58); Jorgie Watson, 2nd in 200 breaststroke (2:24.47); Sarah Krueger, 8th in 200 breaststroke (2:36.04); Lindsay Wiederhold, 3rd in 200 butterfly (2:01.79); Erin Holstad, 6th in 200 butterfly (2:16.08); Sarah Sheridan, 2nd in one-meter diving (415.30 pts.); Kyleigh Sheldon, 4th in one-meter diving (392.65 pts.); Erica Dunham, 6th in one-meter diving (380.55 pts.).
Flying Dutchmen placing in Saturday's championship finals included: Josh Grabijas, 2nd in 1650 free (16:12.03); Jake Hunt, 5th in 100 free (:47.38); Andrew Larson, 6th in 100 free (:47.43); Jeff Zita, 6th in 200 breaststroke (2:08.87); Geoff Ludema, 7th in 200 breaststroke (2:10.78). The 400 freestyle relay finished fourth with the quartet of Jake Hunt, Will Greenlee, Nick Hazekamp and Andrew Larson time in 3:07.40.
Friday Highlights
Senior Libby Westrate won her second event of the meet in capturing the 200-yard freestyle for a fourth consecutive year. She earlier repeated as the 50-yard freestyle champion for a third consecutive year. Her season-best time (1:52.34) was an NCAA conditional qualifying performance.
Senior Erin Holstad led the field in winning the 100-yard butterfly with a season-best time (:59.06)
Junior Nick Hazekamp successfully defended his MIAA championship in the 100-yard backstroke with an NCAA conditional qualifying time (:51.30).
Flying Dutch placing in Friday's championship finals included: Lindsay
Wiederhold, 3rd in 400 IM (4:43.86); Kaleigh Mullen, 4th in 200 freestyle
(1:57.63); and Jorgie Watson, 3rd in 100 breaststroke (1:06.96). Hope had
five swimmers in the championship finals of the 100 backstroke -- Klare Northuis,
3rd (:59.52); Hannah Larson, 4th (:59.73); Maria Kieft, 6th (1:00.05); Laura
Cameron, 7th (1:01.84) and Lauren Girard, 8th (1:03.00).
Flying Dutchmen placing in Friday's championship finals included: Jake Hunt, 3rd in 100 butterfly (:51.33); and Will Greenlee, 8th in 100 butterfly (:52.73); diver Jordan Kalsbeek, 6th in on three meter board (255.55 pts.). Hope had three swimmers place in the championship finals of the 100 breaststroke -- Alex Perkins, 4th (:57.71); Jeff Zita, 5th (:58.12); and Geoff Ludema, 6th (:58.17).
Relay Results: women's 200 medley relay, 2nd place (Klare Northuis, Jorgie Watson, Erin Holstad, Hannah Larson), 1:48.59; men's 200 medley relay, 2nd place (Nick Hazekamp, Alex Perkins, Jake Hunt, Andrew Larson), 1:33.31.
Thursday Highlights
The Flying Dutch opened Thursday's finals by winning the 200-yard freestyle relay for the first time since 1999. The quartet of freshman Klare Northuis, freshman Hannah Larson, junior Maria Kieft and senior Libby Westrate had a NCAA conditional qualifying time of 1:35.78.
Senior Libby Westrate celebrated her birthday as she went into the record books as the fastest female sprinter in league history establishing Hope and MIAA records in winning the 50-yard freestyle for the third consecutive year. She received a rousing version of the Happy Birthday song from the gathered throng at the Jenison Aquatics Center. Her time of :23.34 qualified her for the NCAA Division III championships next month. The previous MIAA record was :23.52 and the old Hope mark was :23.59.
In the men's 500-yard freestyle, Albion's Brad Melpolder (4:36.80) edged three-time defending champion Josh Grabijas of Hope (4:38.28)
Flying Dutch placing in the championship finals included: Lindsay Wiederhold, 5th in 500 free (5:11.22); Erin Holstad, 3rd in 200 IM (2:11.15); Jorgie Watson, 7th in 200 IM (2:12.73); Klare Northuis, 3rd in 50 free (:24.45); Hannah Larson, 6th in 50 free (:25.09); Sarah Sheridan, 2nd in three meter diving (416.55 pts.); Erica Dunham, 5th in three meter diving (328.40 pts.).
Flying Dutchmen placing in the championship finals included: Duncan MacLean, 6th in 500 free (4:45.10); Geoff Ludema, 8th in 200 IM (1:58.66); Andrew Larson, 5th in 50 free (:21.24); Jordan Kalsbeek, 6th in one meter diving (241.20).
Relay Results: Men's 200 freestyle relay finished 3rd (Jake Hunt, Will Greenlee, Nick Hazekamp, Andrew Larson), 1:24.68; women's 400 medley relay finished 2nd (Maria Kieft, Jorgie Watson, Erin Holstad, Libby Westrate), 3:55.69; men's 400 medley relay finished 3rd (Nick Hazekamp, Alex Perkins, Jake Hunt, Andrew Larson), 3:25.08 (NCAA conditional qualifying).
Hope Teams Conclude Dual Season With Victories (1/30/13)
results
Hope ended the dual meet portion of their season by sweeping visiting Albion on Saturday. The Flying Dutch posted a 177-108 victory to finish with a 5-1 dual meet record while the Flying Dutchmen gained a 168-115 victory to end at 3-2. Next will be the MIAA championships on Feb. 13-16.
Flying Dutch: Senior diver Kyleigh Sheldon captured first place on both boards, winning the one-meter (234.30 points) and three-meter (267.70). Other Hope winners were Klare Northuis, 100 backstroke (1:01.88); Sarah Krueger, 100 breaststroke (1:13.01); Libby Westrate, 50 freestyle (:24.34); Maria Kieft, 200 backstroke (2:91.13); Jorgie Watson, 200 breaststroke (2:33.75); and Kaleigh Muller, 500 freestyle (5:29.21). Hope won both relays/
Flying Dutchmen: Hope had 10 event champions. Senior Josh Grabijas started it off winning the marathon 1,650 freestyle with a season-best time (16:56.12). Junior Andrew Larson also had a season-best in winning the 50 freestyle (:21.69). Other event champions were Jake Hunt, 200 freestyle (1:47.61); Andrew Cutshall, 100 backstroke (:57.42); Nathan Rommel, 200 butterfly (2:03.80); Nick Hazekamp, 200 backstroke (2:04.81); Alex Perkins, 200 breaststroke (2:19.53); Chris Waechter, 500 freetsyle (5:04.50); Will Greenlee, 100 butterfly (:53.24); and Jordan Kalsbeek, three-meter diving (season-high 154.10 pts.). Hope also won both relays.
Rival Calvin Nips Hope in MIAA Duals (1/19/13)
Results
Rival Calvin defeated Hope in MIAA dual meet competition on Saturday. In the women's meet the Knights prevailed 164-136 while in the men's meet it was Calvin winning 146.5-133.5.
Flying Dutch: Hope winners were Klare Northuis, 100 backstroke (1:01.79); Lindsay Wiederhold, 200 butterfly (2:14.95); Libby Westrate, 100 freestyle (:53.49); and Maria Kieft, 200 backstroke (2:12.94). Hope also won the 400 freestyle relay (3:40.35) with the quartet of Hannh Larsen, Klare Northuis, Luisqa Burgess and Libby Westrate.
Flying Dutchmen: Hope winners were Nick Hazekamp, 100 backstroke (:53.44) and 200 backstroke (1:59.69); Andrew Larson, 50 freestyle (:22.15); Josh Grabijas, 500 freestyle (4:54.51); and Jordan Kalsbeek, one-meter diving (145.95 pts.) and three-meter diving (120.60). Hope won both relays -- the 200 medley relay (Nick Hazekamp Alexander Perkins, Jake Hunt, Andrew Larson), 1:36.07 and the 400 freestyle relay (Will Greenlee, Nick Hazekamp, Jake Hunt, Andrew Larson), 3:11.82.
Hope Teams Compete in Michigan-Illinois Quad (1/12/13)
Meet Results
The traditional Michigan-Illinois Quad was held in a non-traditional location on Saturday. The meet was held at the Jenison High School aquatics center instead of a Holland location. The Flying Dutch found the setting to their liking by winning the four-team women's meet while the Flying Dutchmen finished second in the men's competition.
Flying Dutch: Hope edged Wheaton in a meet that came down to the final events, 601-584, followed by Kalamazoo 433 and Lake Forest 410. The Flying Dutch accomplished the win in an uncoventional manner by not winning a single individual event. Their only victory came in the meet's concluding 400 freestyle relay. The quartet of Hannah Larson, Luisa Burgess, Klare Northuis and Libby Westrate was timed in 3:40.69. Recording season-best times were Emma DeBoef in the 1,000 free (11:08.51) and Jorgie Watson in the 200 breaststroke (2:31.66).
Flying Dutchmen: MIAA rival Kalamazoo led the field with 635 points followed by Hope with 443, Wheaton 421 and Lake Forest 382. Hope's only individual champion was Nick Hazekamp in the 200 backstroke (1:58.36). The Flying Dutchmen won the meet-opening 400 medley relay with the quartet of Nick Hazekamp, Alexander Perkins, Jake Hunt and Andrew Larson (3:33.20).
Hope Teams Score Dual Meet Victories (1/5/13)
Men's Results / Women's Results
After the a month-long break for the holidays, Hope's swimming/diving teams returned to action Saturday by posting MIAA dual meet victories over visiting Olivet. The Flying Dutch remained undefeated in MIAA duals (4-0) with a 146-92 victory while the Flying Dutchmen improved to 2-1 in the conference behind a 140-128 triumph.
Flying Dutch: The Flying Dutch took first place in every event. Gaining victories were Emma DeBoef, 1,000 freestyle (11:23.72) and 500 freestyle (5:32.82); Luisa Burgess, 200 freestyle (2:03.80); Libby Westrate, 200 backstroke (1:03.31); Erin Holstad, 100 breaststroke (1:13.57); Lindsay Wiederhold, 200 butterfly (2:15.55) and 100 butterfly (1:03.03); Hannah Larson, 50 freestyle (:25.88) and 200 backstroke (2:13.79); Kyleigh Sheldon, one-meter diving (239.65) and three-meter diving (257.50); Klare Northuis, 100 freestyle (:55.76); Jorgie Watson, 200 breaststroke (2:33.08); and Sarah Krueger, 200 individual medley (2:25.08).
Flying Dutchmen: Gaining victories were Josh Grabijas, 1,000 freestyle (10:10.55) and 500 freestyle (4:54.29); Chris Weechter, 200 freestyle (1:50.40); Nick Hazekamp, 100 backstroke (:53.40); Alexander Perkins, 100 breaststroke (1:00.86); Jordan Kalsbeek, one-meter diving (163.25) and three-meter diving (140.60); and Jake Hunt, 100 freestyle (:48.54) and 100 butterfly (:53.68).
Flying Dutch Compete at Wheaton Invitational (12/1/12)
Friday Results / Saturday Results
The Flying Dutch competed at the two-day, non-scoring six-team Wheaton Invitational.
Saturday Highlights - Senior Libby Westrate won her second event of the meet capturing the 50-yard freestyle in a school-record time (:23.48). Westrate ownwed the previous Hope mark at :23.59. Coming into the weekend her time would be the fastest among all Division III swimmers. Westrate earlier won the 100-yard freestyle. On Saturday she also finished second in the 200 freestyle (1:53.62). Performances of Hope swimmers who advanced to the championship finals of their event were: Maria Kieft, 5th in 100 backstroke (:59.53); Sarah Bettag, 6th in 50 freestyle (:25.10). The Flying Dutch were 4th in the 200 medley relay (Maria Kieft, Sarah Krueger, Erin Holstad, Sarah Bettag), 1:51.44 and 5th in the 400 freestyle relay (Hannah Larson, Luisa Burgess, Klare Northuis, Libby Westrate), 3:35.51.
Friday Highlights - A highlight for Hope was recorded by senior Libby Westrate who won the 100-yard freestyle in :51.66. Coming into the weekend her time would be the third fastest in NCAA Division III so far this season. Performances of Hope swimmers who advanced to the championship finals of their event were: Sarah Krueger and Jorgie Watson, 5th (1:10.11) and 6th (1:10.18) respectively in 100 breaststroke; Maria Kieft and Hannah Larson, 3rd (2:07.04) and 4th (2:07.23) respectively in 200 backstroke; and Lindsay Wiederhold, 6th in 200 butterfly (2:13.92). The Flying Dutch were 3rd in the 200 freestyle Relay (Hannah Larson, Klare Northuis, Sarah Bettag, Libby Westrate), 1:37.47 and 400 medley relay (Maria Kieft, Sarah Krueger, Erin Holstad, Libby Westrate), 4:00.18. The 800 freestyle relay was 4th (Lindsay Wiederhold, Bethany Schmall, Luisa Burgess, Libby Westrate), 7:57.08.
Hope Teams Compete in Invitational in Chicago (11/17/12)
Friday Results / Saturday Results
Hope teams competed at the Phoenix Fall Classic hosted by the University of Chicago on Friday and Saturday. Swimmers and divers came from all NCAA Divisions, the women's field consisting of 12 teams and the men's numbered 11. Hope swimmers advancing to the championship finals included: women's three-meter diving, Sarah Sheridan, 3rd place (415.15 points); men's 100 backstroke, Nick Hazekamp, 4th place (1:59.74); women's 800 freestyle relay (Hannah Larson, Luisa Burgess, Beth Schmall, Libby Westrate), 5th place (8:08.04); women's three-meter diving, Kyleigh Sheldon, 6th place (383.45 points); women's 100 freestyle, Libby Westrate, 7th place (:53.95); men's 200 medley relay (Nick Hazekamp, Geoff Ludema, Jake Hunt, Andrew Larson), 8th place (1:38.70).
Hope Teams Split With Kalamazoo in MIAA Duals (11/10/12)
Women's Results / Men's Results
Hope and Kalamazoo split MIAA dual meets. Hope won the women's meet 154-81 while Kalamazoo was victorious in the men's meet 150-89.
Flying Dutch: The Flying Dutch remained undefeated in MIAA duals (3-0) highlighted by champions in eight events and the two relays. Senior freestyler Libby Westrate captured the 50 (:24.58) and 100 (:53.96) while senior diver Kyleigh Sheldon was the winner on both boards taking the one-meter (240.65) and three-meter (261.35). Other winners were freshman Emma DeBoef, 1,000 free (11:08.63); senior Erin Holstad, 100 butterfly (1:01.99); junior Maria Kieft, 100 back (1:01.71); and junior Beth Schmall, 500 free (5:28.40).
Flying Dutchmen: The Flying Dutchmen were winners in six individual events, but couldn't match the depth of the defending MIAA champion Hornets. Hope has a 1-1 MIAA dual meet mark. Senior freestyler Josh Grabijas won the 500 (4:56.16) and 1,000 (10.12.23) while junior Andrew Larson took the 50 free (:22.18) and 100 free (:48.58). Other Hope winners were junior Jake Hunt in the 100 butterfly (:52.86) and senior Nick Hazekamp in the 100 back (:53.43).
Hope Teams Sweep Opponents in League Dual Openers (10/27/12)
women's results / men's results
Hope's swimming/diving teams opened the dual meet portion of their season
Saturday with victories over league opponents Alma and Saint Mary's. The
Flying Dutchmen topped Alma 139-123 while the Flying Dutch gained a 213-86
win over
Alma and a 176 1/2-118 1/2 victory over Saint Mary's. In the women's meet
Hope had eight different event winners. Freshman Lindsay Wiederhold was a
double winner capturing the 200 butterfly and 500 freestyle while Libby
Westrate captured the 100 and 200 freestyle. Other event winners included
Maria Kieft, 100 backstroke; Sarah
Bettag, 50
freestyle; Hannah Larson, 200 backstroke; Erin Holstad, 100 butterfly; diver
Erica Dunham, one-meter board; and diver Sarah Sheridan, three-meter board.
In the men's meet, junior Andrew Larson won the 50 free and 100 free while
single event winners were Geoff Ludema, 100 breaststroke; Nick Hazekamp,
200 backstroke;
and Jake Hunt, 100 butterfly.
Freestyler Libby Westrate Honored by Coaches (10/22/12)
Libby Westrate is the MIAA female Swimmer of the Week. A senior from Grandville
(Grandville HS), she led the Flying Dutch to first-place finishes in the
200 medley relay
and 200 freestyle relay at the season-opening MIAA Relays. She swam a :23.49
split in the 200
medley
relay and :23.74 in the 200 free relay,
both close to her career-best times. Westrate, who was the MIAA’s women’s Most
Valuable Swimmer last season, is being honored as Athlete of the Week for
the first time in her career.
2012-13 Pre-Season Outlook
Pre-Season Roster / Schedule
The Flying Dutch look to build on the success from last year and have high hopes for the new season.
Coming off a second place finish in the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA), the Flying Dutch will rely on their experienced returnees to lead the way in the pool.
Hope returns three conference champions from the 2011-12 season. Senior Libby Westrate (Grandville/Grandville HS) won MIAA titles in the 50-yard freestyle, 100-yard freestyle, and the 200-yard freestyle. Junior Maria Kieft (Spring Lake/Spring Lake HS) was crowned champion in the 100-yard backstroke and senior Kyeigh Sheldon (Hastings/Hastings HS) took first on the three-meter board.
All four members of the conference champion 400-yard medley relay team (Kieft, senior Sarah Krueger (Wixom/Walled Lake HS), senior Erin Holstad (Traverse City/Traverse City West HS), and Westrate) are back for another year.
Westrate, Holstad and Sheldon also return this year with experience from the 2012 NCAA Championships.
In her third consecutive trip to nationals, Westrate competed individually in the 50-yard freestyle, 100-yard freestyle and 200-yard freestyle. She earned Honorable Mention All-American honors with a 15th place finish in the 50-yard freestyle. Joined with teammate Holstad, the two competed as members of four Flying Dutch relays. Their performance on the 800-yard freestyle relay earned them a 12th place finish at the championships and Honorable Mention All-American honors.
Kyleigh Sheldon qualified for the NCAA Championships on the one-meter and three-meter boards, finishing 19th and 21st respectively.
The Flying Dutch add 17 new athletes to the squad this year that look to make a significant contribution to the team. The added depth brings strength to the freestyle and backstroke events as well as team relays.
Hope swimming opens their competition season on Friday, Oct. 19 at Calvin with the MIAA Relay Meet.
2011-12 MIAA
Academic Honor Roll Team
Excellence in the Classroom a Recognized Hallmark (7/17/12)
Highlighted by an amazing nation-leading cumulative grade point average by the women's team, both Hope College swimming and diving teams have been named to the Scholar All-America team of the College Swimming Coaches Association of America. The women's team led all Division III programs with a 3.79 grade point average on a 4.0 scale during the second semester of the 2011-12 school year. The men's team, meanwhile, ranked sixth nationally with a cumulative 3.46 GPA. The Hope teams are coached by John Patnott. The teams were also recently named to the Academic Honor Roll of the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA).
continue
2011-12 Season Highlights
2011-12 Season in Review
Flying Dutch Score at NCAA Championships (3/21/12)
The Flying Dutch totaled 14 points for a 38th place finish at the NCAA Division III championships. Junior Libby Westrate (Grandville/Grandville HS) achieved honorable mention All-America status by finishing fifth in the consolation finals of the 50-yard freestyle (:23.74). She was competing at nationals for third consecutive year, finishing 20th as a sophomore and 18th as a freshman.
The 800-yard freestyle relay finished 12th to gain honorable mention All-America honors. The quartet of senior Sarah Sohn (Arlington Heights, Ill./Prospect HS), junior Erin Holstad (Traverse City/TC West HS), senior Chelsea Wiese (Rochester/Rochester Adams HS) and junior Libby Westrate was timed in 7:39.73.
Hope swimmers competed in other events as follows: senior Sarah Sohn was 17th (17:25.75) in the 1,650-yard freestyle while junior Libby Westrate placed 33rd among 43 competitors in the 100-yard freestyle (:52.52). The 400-yard freestyle relay finished 18th with the team of Sarah Sohn, Erin Holstad, Chelsea Wiese and Libby Westrate clocked in a season-best 3:32.89. Diver Kyleigh Sheldon was 21st on the three-meter board (329.35 pts.). The 200-yard medley relay of Westrate, senior Sarah Sohn, junior Erin Holstad and senior Chelsea Wiese placed 25th (1:49.65) among 31 entries.
Hope Senior Presented National Academic Award (3/20/12)
Hope senior Chelsea Wiese of Rochester (Rochester Adams HS) has been presented
the NCAA Elite 89 award for maintaining the highest cumulative grade point
average among all of the competitors in this year's NCAA Division III swimming and diving championships. The Elite 89 award is presented to the top scholar-athlete at each of the 89 NCAA championships held over the year.
Wiese is an accounting major. She has maintained a perfect 4.0 cumulative grade point average. Co-captain of the women's swimming/diving team, Wiese was the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) champion in the 200 and 400 yard individual medley events. She will be a member of Hope's relay team in five events at the national championship meet this week.
Both Swimming/Diving Teams Honored for Academics (2/25/12)
The Flying Dutch have been presented the 2011-12 Scholar All-America Team award from the College Swimming Coaches Association of America. Coach John Patnott's Flying Dutch compiled a 3.62 cumulative GPA, second highest among all NCAA Division III women's programs. continue
 
Photo Gallery from MIAA Championships
See Flying Dutch in Action
Honor Roll of MIAA Champions
See Them
FLYING DUTCH CHAMPIONS
800 Freestyle Relay: Sarah Sohn, Erin Holstad, Chelsea Wiese, Libby Westrate, 7:39.58 (dc)
500 Freestyle: Sarah Sohn, 5:06.66 (dc)
200 Individual Medley: Chelsea Wiese, 2:10.40
50 Freestyle: Libby Westrate, :23.74 (dc)
3-Meter Diving: Kyleigh Sheldon, 433.00 pts.
400 Medley Relay: Maria Kieft, Sarah Krueger, Erin Holstad, Libby Westrate, 3:55.83
400 Individual Medley: Chelsea Wiese, 4:40.08
200 Freestyle: Libby Westrate, 1:52.79 (dc)
100 Backstroke: Maria Kieft, :57.94
1,650 Freestyle: Sarah Sohn, 17:28.00 (dc)
100 Freestyle: Libby Westrate, :51.82 (dc)
400 Freestyle Relay: Libby Westrate, Erin Holstad, Sarah Sohn, Chelsea Wiese, 3:33.01
(dc - defending champion)
   
Maria Kieft, Kyleigh Sheldon, Sarah Sohn, Libby Westrate, Chelsea Wiese
All-MIAA Swimming/Diving Honors Announced (2/22/12)
Five athletes were named to the all-conference teams of the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA). Junior Libby Westrate of Grandville (Grandville HS) was named the women's most valuable swimmer. She was a triple winner at the MIAA championships taking the 50, 100 and 200 freestyle races. Senior Sarah Sohn of Arlington Heights, Ill. (Prospect HS) and Jeff Shade was honored for a fourth consecutive year. The Flying Dutch, coached by John Patnott, finished second in the conference standings. Championship Meet Results
Hope's All-MIAA Swimming/Diving Honorees
Maria Kieft* (sophomore from Spring Lake/Spring Lake HS)
Kyleigh Sheldon* (junior from Hastings/Hastings HS)
Sarah Sohn**** (senior from Arlington Heights, Ill./Prospect HS)
Libby Westrate*** (junior from Grandville/Grandville HS)
Chelsea Wiese* (senior from Rochester/Rochester Adams HS)
Denotes years All-MIAA
Two Hope Records Established During 2011-12 Season
Two school records were established during the 2011-12 season. Junior Libby Westrate (Grandville/Grandville HS) tied the school record in the 200-yard freestyle. Her time of 1:52.58 equaled the mark established by Erinn VanAuken in 1998-99. A record was established in the 800-yard freestyle relay. The quartet of senior Sarah Sohn (Arlington Heights, Ill./Prospect HS), junior Erin Holstad (Traverse City/TC West HS), senior Chelsea Wiese (Rochester/Rochester Adams HS), and junior Libby Westrate, pictured above, set the record of 7:39.58 at the MIAA championships. The previous mark of 7:40.01 was established in 2008-09.
2011-12 MIAA Swimmers/Divers of the Week
Sarah Sohn
Kyleigh Sheldon
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