Division II Nationals 2009 Makes and Impression

By Mike Hoskovec

After the last heat of the 2009 Division II swimmming and diving nationals came to a close, fans, coaches, and athletes alike were left with some lasting impressions on what they saw here at the University of Houston.

Record-breaking performances, swimsuits, disqualifications, the festival format, and even a wedding proposal were all the focus of the conversations in the stands, and on the deck Saturday night.

I don't think anyone would argue that Division II swimming has come a long way in the last decade, but with a final total of over 20 nationals records left broken and shattered, the evidence would be difficult to refute.  When asked for his final impression regarding the meet this year Todd Samland, head coach for the University of Nebraska-Omaha simply said, "The speed and the depth, all the way through and in every event."

Is it the suits?  Is it the NCAA age and eligibility limits in Division I?  Is it a newfound ability for Division II coaches to attract more talent?  Or maybe just advances in coaching tactics?  Whatever the reason, it was an impressive night in Houston.

Coach Samland also speculated that while the Blue Seventy suits were out in impressive fashion, there might be some review of the current suit policy, not just by the NCAA, but by swimming on a world level.

While some questioned the officiating, not many can argue with the takeoff pads, and a few fans were surprised on their impact on some of the major players.  While many of the top teams fell victim to early takeoffs, the fans were more impressed in the onslaught of upstart teams like Wayne State, Limestone, and Wingate contending with Drury, Truman, UCSD, and the other big dogs.

Once again, the festival format was hyped up by fans.  Many were back and forth from the pool to the mat with the two venues just paces away.  Greg Carnes, a Truman parent, from Fenton, MI said "When we first set foot in the Hyatt, the shear number of athletes at the hotel was incredible.  I love this festival format and was even able to check out wrestling."

Aside for the action in the water, many fans felt the goose bumps from watching Incarnate Word breaststroker Blake McKay during and after the 200
breaststroke.  Surprisingly, the fact that he came on in the back half for a runner-up finish had less to do with it than his memorable post race performance.  It seems that before his race he had more on his mind than just a fast swim on his mind. 

Blake had received permission to bring his girlfriend, Bethany Ellison also a student at Incarnate Word, down on deck and out on the bulkhead after his swim.  He retrieved a small box from his gear and dropped to a knee and promply asked for her hand in marriage.  Bethany had no idea it was coming, but accepted with a kiss and a few tears of joy, with Blake's mom and sister looking on.

Some will celebrate victory, and some will ask themselves "What if?"  All will remember this 2009 version of Nationals for one reason or another, myself included!

Mike Hoskovec is a former Truman State All-American and head coach at Stratford High School in Houston, Texas.