McLean County Times

The Illinois Wesleyan University (IWU) men's and women's swimming and diving teams are set to begin their 2023-24 season on Friday, October 13, at Lewis University in Romeoville, Illinois. The competition against the Division II Flyers is scheduled for a 5:30 p.m. start.

Leading IWU is head coach Teresa Fish, who recently entered her 29th season after being inducted into the Kenyon College Hall of Fame over the summer. The women's team returns 13 athletes and welcomes four new members, while the men's team has eight returning student-athletes and four newcomers.

The women's team includes freshmen Sam Borre from Hoffman Estates, Olivia Kula from Pekin, Claire Paule from Godfrey, and Abi Zelikman from Oakwood Hills. The men's team adds junior transfer Carter Dilger from Sellersburg and freshmen Jack Hansen from Naperville, Rylan Nelson from Normal, and Luke Smith from Bradley-Bourbonnais.

Fifth-year Lauren Feddersen returns for IWU after being named the 2022-23 College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin (CCIW) Women's Swimming & Diving Student-Athlete of the Year. Feddersen won three individual titles at last year's CCIW Championship in the 400-yard medley, 100-yard breaststroke, and 200-yard breaststroke. Junior Hadley Fudge also returns as a two-time reigning champion in the 200-yard individual medley.

On the men's side, junior Alex Kula participated in two relay teams that broke school records at the CCIW Championship. Senior Ethan Lowder secured second place in the 50-yard freestyle at the same event and was part of record-breaking relay teams. Senior Lane Wagner earned All-CCIW honors with strong performances in multiple events.

Lewis University has already competed twice this season with victories against Quincy University and St. Ambrose on both sides. IWU aims to secure its first win against Lewis since they began competing in 2016.

Results will be available on iwusports.com following the meet's conclusion.