Swimming and diving team finishes second in Marshall Invitational

The Marshall University swimming and diving team completed its final home meet of the regular season Saturday, wrapping up the Marshall Invitational at the Fitch Natatorium.

Ohio University won the two-day event with a score of 356. Marshall finished second with 277, while the University of Toledo finished third with 215.

Junior Meagan Wolons won the 3-meter diving event with a pool record 331.95. Wolons swept both dive events this weekend.

The Herd finished second in the 400-yard freestyle relay (3:32.64) and also placed second in the 200 freestyle relay (1:37.37).

“We had a few really great performances this morning, but again, had some people just did not show up,” Marshall coach Bill Tramel said in a news release. “It’s disappointing, really. Some folks had one race today. We wanted perfect execution in that one race. Too many people didn’t come through. To be a champion, it takes everyone, a team. I know we are capable. I know we are talented. That’s why it’s so frustrating at times.”

Tramel said the Marshall Invitational was the last opportunity for his team to perfect its skills and strategies before the Conference USA Championships begin.

“Some of us are clearly ready to taper, both mentally and physically,” Tramel said. “It’s important now to get as much rest as possible. I do feel good about this team. I do believe we can finish higher (in the conference) than last year. I know, without a doubt, we will be conditioned to perform our lifetime bests. It will be up to the individuals to execute.”

The Herd heads to Atlanta, Georgia Feb. 24 for the first day of the 2016 C-USA Championships.

Aside from Marshall, the three-day tournament will feature  Florida International University, Florida Atlantic University, the University of North Texas, Old Dominion University and Rice University.