FAIRFIELD, Conn. – The Fairfield University swimming and diving teams had a successful season in 2015-16 breaking and setting 13 Fairfield program records over the course of the year. There were eight individual records and five relay records, with the bulk of them being set at the 2016 MAAC Championships in February.
The Stags did not have a typical season as they were not able to host any home meets all season long due to the renovation and construction of the RecPlex on campus. This caused many difficulties for the team, but they pushed through the adversity to have a strong season.
“Throughout the season it was tough to travel for every meet and not to have a locker room on campus,” said Head Coach Janelle Atkinson-Wignall. “We got to a lot of meets and went right from the bus to the pool and that took a toll. But at the Championships we were able to arrive a day early, relax, and get comfortable before the competition started. Overall, it was a really great meet for the team, and they definitely exceeded my expectations.”
Looking at the individual performers this season, senior Connor Daly finished his career as one of the best swimmers in Fairfield history. He owns nine individual records and is a part of three relay records. This season, Daly swam his best at the 2016 MAAC Championships setting four individual records. The senior set records in the 200 freestyle (1:41.84), 200 butterfly (1:50.78), 200 IM (1:50.42), and 400 IM (4:00.10). At the Championships he was also a part of the 200 medley and 400 medley relay records.
Junior diver Daniel Pires enjoyed a successful season of his own, setting both the 1-meter and 3-meter diving records at Iona on January 30. He scored a 336.90 in the 1-meter and a 327.40 in the 3-meter. The junior was also named the MAAC Diver of the Week three times and the MAAC Student-Athlete of the Week once.
“I am very proud of Dan for breaking the school record. Dan is an extremely hard worker and extremely talented. He’s the first to get to practice and last to leave and has earned all of his successes,” said Diving Coach Dan Vener.
The freshman class made their presence felt as two rookies set individual records and the class as a whole was a part of five relay records. “The freshman class is really the foundation of our program and what we’re trying to do here. I told them all that when they first got here, and they certainly made an immediate impact on our team,” explained coach Atkinson-Wignall.
Kelly Cordes had a tremendous rookie season for the Stags, breaking the Fairfield record in the 500 freestyle at the 2016 MAAC Championships with a time of 5:04.53. At the Championships the freshman was also a part of the 200, 400, and 800 freestyle relay records.
“Cordes breaking the record was definitely unexpected. We had focused on other events and for her to do so well in the 500 was incredible. Even to swim so well in preliminaries and then sit for a few hours and come back in the finals to swim even faster was unexpected,” said Atkinson-Wignall.
Classmate Donna Lam was equally impressive as she set her own individual record in the 100 butterfly with a time of 58.31 at the 2016 MAAC Championships. The freshman also made her presence felt as a part of the three freestyle relay records.
Added coach Atkinson-Wignall, “Lam was also a surprise. It was definitely a goal to eventually get to that top time in two or three years, but to do it in her first year was surprising.”
Two freshmen on the men’s side who enjoyed instant success were Ben Nelligan and Brian Burke. The duo were both a part of the 200 and 400 medley relay records set at the 2016 MAAC Championships. Nelligan also posted top 10 times in the 50 freestyle, 100 freestyle, and 100 butterfly. While Burke swam top 10 times in the 50 freestyle and 100 breaststroke.
“Nelligan and Burke are essentially the core of our sprint team. The championships were a learning experience for them. Performing well and just missing out on the finals, I know that will push them in practice to work that much harder and be very motivating for both of them,” said coach Atkinson-Wignall.
Freshman diver Jane Rice made a name for herself as a rookie, garnering MAAC Diver of the Week once during the season. She also placed in the top six in both diving events at the 2016 MAAC Championships. “It was awesome to have a freshman in the top eight of the conference. Jane was a very hard worker and consistent performer all season long. Overall I was very happy with the progress the team made this season. I am proud of the work they did and happy that each of them scored at championships,” added coach Vener.
With another competitive freshman class joining the team in September, the Stags are very excited for what lies ahead.
