WEBSTER, N.Y. - The Hartwick Swim and Dive team opened up their championship quest at Day One of the 2024-25 Empire 8 Swim and Diving Championship, turning in solid performances from both squads.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

• The Hawks opened up their morning with the Women's 500 yard freestyle prelim, Cate Russo (San Pedro, Cal.), and Katie Viera (South Windsor, Conn.) qualified for finals as Russo clocked in at five minutes and 15 seconds and Viera timed in at five minutes and 21 seconds.

• Cameron Drake (El Cajon, Cal.) placed first in the Men's 500 yard freestyle prelim, timing in at four minutes and 38 seconds to start the morning on a high note.

• Jillian Ferrie (Middle Grove, N.Y.), Courtney Pierce (Fulton, N.Y.), and Amanda Wilbur (Watkins Glens, N.Y.) each posted solid finishes, booking their spot in the Women's 200 IM final.

• Hassan Abdelwahed (New Hartford, N.Y.) represented the Hawks in the Men's 200 IM prelim, qualifying for finals with a time of one minute and 56 seconds.

• The Women's 500 yard freestyle marked the start of the finals session, Russo placed sixth with a mark of five minutes and 18 seconds to start the afternoon.

• Drake replicated his performance from the preliminary round, taking first place in the 500 yard freestyle with a time of four minutes and 34 seconds, being crowned the 500 yard freestyle Empire 8 Champion for the second year in a row.

• Pierce was edged out by one second by the third place finisher, taking fourth place, clocking in at two minutes and 11 seconds, adding points to the Hawks total.

• Abdelwahed took fifth place in the 200 IM, timing in at one minute and 56 seconds.

• The Women wrapped up their first night of competition with a fourth place finish in the 400 yard medley relay. Bree Dy (Matawan, N.J.), Anna Bischoff (Oneonta, N.Y.), Wilbur, and Pierce combined for a final mark of four minutes and three seconds.

• The Men capped off their first day with a third place finish in the 400 yard medley relay. Owen James (St. Lutz, Fla.), Bryce Rogers (Fulton, N.Y.), Evan Nezat (Jacksonville, N.C.), and Abdelwahed posted a final time of three minutes and 29 seconds.

• Peyton Humphries (South Glens Falls, N.Y.) placed fifth in three meter diving, scoring 347.90 in the lone diving event of the day.

• After one day of competition, the Women sit in fourth place with 120 points, the Men currently rank in second place with 141 points.

• Results can be found here.
  
  UP NEXT FOR THE HAWKS
  Hartwick will begin Day Two of the Empire 8 Championships with the 400 IM prelim set for 10 AM on Thursday, February 20th.

   

  About Hartwick College:

  Hartwick, often referred to as The Life Balance College, is a private liberal arts and sciences institution in Oneonta, N.Y. Through its distinctive FlightPath approach, Hartwick blends academic excellence, career preparation and an active campus life to help students achieve a balanced and fulfilling college experience. With transparent tuition and a focus on health and wellness, Hartwick prepares students for lifelong success—both professionally and personally.