The CWRU men's and women's swimming and diving teams wrapped up their dual meet season February 1 at Wittenberg University. The men defeated Wittenberg 165-114 and the women won 168-132. Both teams finished the year 6-2 with one championship and an invitational remaining on each schedule. A select few will then swim in the NCAA Championships.

"I don't think we have both been that good in the same year ever," said Todd Clark, currently in his 14th season as head coach of both squads. "We are a combined 12-4, that gives us a nice percentage."

Individually, junior David Whitbeck of Northville, Mich., has led the way this year for the men. He has posted the team's top times in five events, the 500 freestyle (4:53.24 at Wittenberg University), 1,000 freestyle (9:52.79 against Southwestern), 1,650 freestyle (16:54.98 at EMU Invitational), 100 butterfly (54.92 at Carnegie Mellon) and the 200 butterfly (2:00.21 at Wittenberg).

Young standouts include freshman Pat Rodjom of Murrysville, Pa. Rodjom has CWRU's best marks in the 100 breaststroke (1:02.32 at EMU Inv.), 200 breaststroke (2:12.18 at Wittenberg) and the 400 individual medley (4:20.87 vs. OWU).

"In the past David has had a lot of good people in front of him and now he realizes he is the guy," Clark said. "The kid has a lot of heart. He is the first in, the last out of-and on most days-the best in the pool.

"Pat is just having a great freshman year," Clark continued. "He is a little bit better every day and has had no major setbacks. Pat is only going to get better."

For the women's team, juniors Alicia Kendig of Lancaster, Pa., and Liz Badziong of Parma, Ohio, have four top times apiece. Kendig is the leader in the 200 freestyle (1:57.15 vs. OWU), 500 freestyle (5:06.65 at EMU Inv.), 1,000 freestyle (10:30.61 at Wittenberg) and the 1,650 freestyle (17:28.06 at EMU Inv.). Badziong's top times are in the 200 breaststroke (2:35.70 at EMU Inv.), 200 butterfly (2:16.43 vs. OWU), 200 individual medley (2:14.03 at CMU) and the 400 individual medley (4:41.77 at Intra Squad 2).

A bright spot for the Spartan women has been freshman Hannah Webber of Oil City, Pa. Webber has posted best times in the 50 backstroke (29.69 at CMU), 100 backstroke (1:02.12 vs. Southwestern) and the 200 backstroke (2:14.43 vs. Southwestern).

"Hannah had a nice year and has really been a surprise," Clark said. "We knew she was good. We didn't know she would dominate (in the backstroke). We're excited to have her.

"Alicia and Liz are the backbone," the coach added. "They are steady and relentless, swimming the hardest events, training in the hardest lanes. And they take on the hardest tasks."

The Spartans will host the eight-team University Athletic Association Championships swimming February 13-15 in the Veale Natatorium at the Veale Center. CWRU will end its regular season with the second annual Veale Classic the following weekend, February 22.

The NCAA Championships for women are March 13-15 and for men are March 20-22 at Emory University in Atlanta.