The Bear Beats: A Comprehensive Review of the Past Week in WashU Athletics
January 8th – January 15th
Welcome, sports enthusiasts, to the latest edition of The Bear Beats, where we delve into the thrilling world of WashU Athletics. This week, we witnessed captivating performances, hard-fought battles, and unwavering resilience from our talented student-athletes. From the hardwood to the track, and from the pool to the diving board, the Bears left their mark on the world of collegiate sports. So, without further ado, let’s dive into the action!
Men’s Basketball: Maintaining Dominance in the UAA
The No. 14 WashU men’s basketball team continued their reign atop the University Athletic Association (UAA), securing two crucial victories to remain undefeated in conference play. In a nail-biting overtime thriller, the Bears escaped with an 80-79 win over the University of Rochester. Sophomore Calvin Kapral led the scoring charge with a game-high 21 points, while Drake Kindsvater contributed a double-double with 18 points and nine rebounds. The defense stood tall in the final seconds, blocking a potential game-winning shot to seal the victory.
Women’s Basketball: Battling with Determination Despite Setbacks
The WashU women’s basketball team faced a challenging week, dropping two close contests in the UAA against Emory University and the University of Rochester. Despite the setbacks, the Bears showcased their fighting spirit and determination, pushing their opponents to the limit in both games. Senior Jessica Brooks and first-year Sidney Rogers emerged as standout performers, delivering impressive individual performances. Brooks recorded a team-high 18 points and nine rebounds against Emory, while Rogers notched a career-high 21 points against Rochester.
Men’s Track and Field: Shining at the Rose-Hulman Invite
The men’s track and field team returned to action with a strong showing at the Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology meet, securing victories in four out of 15 scored events. Senior Alex Djetto displayed his speed and endurance, winning the 400-meter race with a time of 51.25. Sophomore James Corbett dominated the 800-meter event, crossing the finish line in 1:56.47, while the 4 x 400 relay team, featuring Alex Gardner, William Frohling, Jackson Cox, and Alex Djetto, claimed victory with a time of 3:23.30. Sophomore George Bourdier showcased his agility and technique, winning the pole vault event with a vault of 4.80m.
No. 10 Men’s Swimming and Diving: Making Waves in the Pool
The No. 10 WashU men’s swimming and diving team made a splash this past weekend, defeating UMSL and narrowly falling to McKendree in a series of exciting competitions. Against UMSL, the Bears showcased their depth and talent, winning nine out of 11 events. Ethan Feng, Justin Rockaway, Nathan Lin, and Austin Bick secured a victory in the 200 medley relay, while Feng claimed the 200 freestyle and 100 freestyle events. Sophomore Orluke Borjigin demonstrated his endurance, winning the 500 freestyle with a time of 4:44.13. In the meet against McKendree, Feng continued his winning streak, taking the 200 freestyle and 200 freestyle relay events. Junior Danny Sibley also earned a victory in the 400 IM with a time of 4:04.15.
Looking Ahead: January 20th – January 21st
As we eagerly anticipate the upcoming weekend, the WashU Athletics teams are gearing up for a series of captivating contests. Here’s a sneak peek into what lies ahead:
Women’s Track and Field: Embarking on the I-55 Triangular Meet
The women’s track and field team will embark on a journey to Illinois Wesleyan University to participate in the I-55 Triangular meet, where they will face stiff competition from a variety of talented teams. The meet will be held at the Shirk Center Indoor Track, providing an exciting atmosphere for the athletes to showcase their skills.
Men’s Track and Field: Returning to the I-55 Triangular Meet
WashU’s men’s track and field team will also travel to Illinois Wesleyan University for the annual I-55 Triangular meet, aiming to continue their impressive start to the season. The Shirk Center Indoor Track will host the event, offering a challenging environment for the Bears to demonstrate their abilities.
Women’s Basketball: Road Trip to New York University and Brandeis University
The Bears will embark on a road trip to face two formidable opponents in the UAA, New York University and Brandeis University. The first stop will be New York City, where they will battle New York University at the John A. Paulson Center. The second leg of the trip will take them to Brandeis University in Waltham, Massachusetts, where they will face off against the Judges at the Gosman Center. Both games promise to be intense and competitive, testing the Bears’ resilience and determination.
Men’s Basketball: Hitting the Road for UAA Matchups
The men’s basketball team will also hit the road for two crucial UAA contests. They will face New York University at the Coles Sports Center in New York City, followed by a matchup against Brandeis University at the Gosman Center in Waltham, Massachusetts. These games will be crucial in determining the Bears’ position in the UAA standings, requiring focused and determined performances.
Men’s Swimming and Diving: Dual Match at DePauw University
The WashU men’s swimming and diving team will travel to DePauw University for a dual match, aiming to maintain their strong momentum. The meet will take place at the Erdmann Natatorium, where the Bears will showcase their skills and strive for victory.
Women’s Swimming and Diving: Facing DePauw University in a Dual Match
The women’s swimming and diving team will also head to DePauw University for a dual match, seeking to build on their impressive performances. The meet will be held at the DePauw Natatorium, providing an opportunity for the Bears to demonstrate their talent and determination.
As the WashU Athletics teams prepare for the upcoming challenges, we invite you to join us in cheering them on. Whether you’re a dedicated fan or just discovering the thrill of college sports, we encourage you to come out and witness the incredible talent and unwavering spirit of our student-athletes. Let’s make this weekend a resounding celebration of WashU Athletics!