The women’s swimming and diving team concluded their last home event with their annual intrasquad meet to honor senior Meghan Cepela.
On Saturday, Jan. 18 at the PEIF pool, a total of 14 events took place as the ’Cats honored their senior, Cepela, who performed a personal best in the 50-yard butterfly with a time of 28.44 seconds.
Cepela said it was sad to know it was her last meet in the PEIF.
“It was awesome being recognized for all of my hard work and dedication to the team,” Cepela said. “This has been the best season yet. A lot of school records have been broken.”
Cepela lettered twice as a Wildcat and placed second in the 50-yard freestyle against UW-Eau-Claire this season.
She also earned seventh place as a member of the 200-yard freestyle team in the GLIAC Championships the previous year.
Cepela said the time she spent with the team has been something special.
“Being on the team has helped me,” Cepela said. “Being on the team has made me work on time management and organization. Also, some of the best friends that I’ve made here at NMU are girls on the team.”
Junior swimmer Emily Brennan said she is proud of Cepela and said her mentality has been inspirational to the whole team.
“Cepela has been a big help on this team,” Brennan said. “She is a kind person who treats everyone fairly and with respect. She is a hard worker and she is a big contributor and role model to this team.”
Brennan has lettered twice in her career as a Wildcat and was named top newcomer in the 2011-12 season.
Brennan also qualified for the NCAA championships in 2011.
The Wildcats continue their season with a meet against University of Wisconsin-Green Bay on Saturday, Jan. 25.
Thus far, the ’Cats have lost against one team, making them 6-1 in head-to-head meets.
Grand Valley State University gave the ’Cats their first loss Saturday, Oct. 12, 2013. NMU lost by 33 points. The ’Cats have also placed second in each invite.
Brennan said the performance of her team has been exceptional this season.
“We are looking real good this season,” Brennan said. “We have a good class of freshmen on the squad and we’ve been staying consistent.”
The ’Cats are on the road for the remainder of their season starting at noon Saturday, Jan. 25 against UW-Green Bay in Green Bay, Wis.
