The energy was high and loud inside the Seahawk Natatorium, Saturday. The UNC Wilmington swimming and diving teams faced Wingate University in their final dual meet of the season. It was Senior Day for the Seahawks, as 12 senior swimmers and divers (nine women and three men) were honored for their careers at UNCW. 

The Seahawks celebrated big victories on both the men’s and women’s sides scoring 154-108 and 134-110, respectively. The women won 10 of their events after securing an early lead by winning the first five events. The men kept fans on the edge of their seats, keeping it close in every event until the end during the 400 freestyle race where UNCW finished with a big victory.

“I feel very, very gratified. Both wins were very good for us at this particular time,” coach Dave Allen said after the meet. “Our guys had to really step up and perform. That is what we are looking for at this time in the season.” 

UNCW won 19 of 30 events, and improved its women’s record to 9-6 and the men’s to 8-4.

Allen admits the loss of the seniors will have an impact next season. “They’ve been with us for four years,” he said. “They sort of set the tone of the season for us every year. It’s a tremendous loss.”

Over the course of the next three-and-a-half weeks, Allen’s plan is to keep everyone healthy and rested. “We’ve been working really, really hard and have been through a very challenging last month,” Allen said. “We want to make sure we do things the right way, so that we are prepared to swim fast.”

The Seahawks will take these wins into next weekend when the women’s team hosts Campbell on Saturday, while a select number of swimmers compete in the Virginia Tech Invitational, Friday and Saturday.