The Brandeis men’s and women's swimming and diving teams participated in their final regular season meet on Saturday, Jan 28 against the Clark University Cougars in Worcester, MA. For the men, there were several first place finishers, leading them to a strong 188-96 win. On the women's side, the Judges didn't seem have enough in them to overtake Clark, as they lost 165-117. The teams now look ahead to their final meet of the season, the University Athletic  Association championship at the University of Chicago on Feb 8.

It was a dominant performance in many ways for the men in their last event of the regular season. In an astounding win, they managed to beat the Cougars in 12 of 16 races, with six individual Judges winning at least one race. Cameron Braz ’17 won two freestyle races, including the 50-yard freestyle, which he took by more than a full second, coming in at 22.54 seconds. He also took the 500-yard with a time of 5:05.57. He continued to contribute to the team's success in other races, helping it win big in the 200-medley and 400-meter freestyle relays.

Teammate Edan Zitelny '17 also managed to win two events. He crushed the 100-yard butterfly, coming in first place in 54.97 seconds, and completed the 200-yard backstroke in 2:03.51. This was a great last meet of Zitelny's college career as he displayed his ability with typical but nonetheless impressively quick swimming.

Tamir Zitelny ’20, also performed at a top level, winning the 100-yard freestyle with a time of 50.10 and the 200-yard medley with a standout time of 2:05.89. 

Daniel Haid ’20 earned the first two wins of his college career, performing at a tremendously high caliber level and winning first place in the 100-yard backstroke as well as cruising to first place in the 50-yard butterfly.

Additionally, Taku Harada '18  won the 200-yard freestyle in 1:51.72, barely finishing ahead of Tamir Zitelny. Jake Avery '20 won the 200-yard breaststroke in 2:22.84.

Overall for the men, their promising talent is beginning to show, especially when looking ahead toward next week's championship meet.

On the women's side, there was less success, as they lost 165-117. Nonetheless, they still managed to secure wins in a few categories. 

 Natalya Wozab '20 won the 100-yard breaststroke in 1:12.93. Kylie Herman ’19 won the 100-yard freestyle in 57.01 seconds, and Phillipa Zheku ’20 managed to secure another win, coming first in the 200-yard backstroke in 2:19.67.

After a hard fought season, the Judges look ahead to the championship meet where they will race at the University of Chicago starting Feb. 8. After a strong conclusion to the regular season, they look to challenge the other competitive schools in the UAA for an even stronger finish to the 2017 postseason.

When asked about the entire season, Tamir Zitelny looks back with positivity: "To be able to be a part of the team with these other swimmers has been rewarding as an athlete, as we all push each other, constantly raising the level of expectations and effort amongst ourselves.” While looking back on the season feels important, he and the team are trying their hardest to focus on the task at hand: "For now, we're all looking forward to racing at our championship meet at UChicago next weekend."

The championship should be an exciting end to a long and action-filled season for the talented squads.  It definitely will not fail to have a strong impact on the legacy of the Judges’ season.  The hardworking swimmers will look to leave their marks as they build on their recent performances.  The talent is there for these athletes, and they will look to put their impressive abilities on display.

The team will look to improve upon its previous performance in the champoinships. Last season, the men’s team placed in eighth, with 310 total points, while the women’s team placed in eighth with 331 points on the day.