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HILLSBORO, Ore.—For the second occasion in just three weeks, the Northwest Conference bestowed the honor of Men’s Swimming Student-Athlete of the Week upon Lewis & Clark College junior Ezra Billings, as announced by the league office on Monday afternoon.
Billings showcased his impressive prowess in the water by securing a pair of victories during an exciting Northwest Conference meet held on Friday night, where he faced off against the formidable teams from George Fox University and the University of Puget Sound.
Kicking off the competition, Billings exhibited remarkable speed as he clinched first place out of ten swimmers in the 50 Free. His time of 20.90 not only earned him the victory but also ranked as the second-fastest in the entire conference this season. Remarkably, his performance was 0.80 seconds ahead of the runner-up and just a slender 0.11 seconds off from his own impressive season-best and program-record time of 20.79.
Continuing his stellar performance, the talented junior came back stronger to dominate the 100 Free. He achieved the fastest time in the conference for the event this season, finishing ahead of a competitive field of ten swimmers with a remarkable time of 46.90. This new season-best not only places him as the fifth-fastest in program history but also showcases an impressive advantage of over a second compared to the second-best time recorded in the Northwest Conference this season, which stands at 47.95.
In addition to his individual triumphs, Billings contributed to the team effort as a vital member of the Pioneers’ 200 Medley and 200 Free Relay Teams. Both relay squads showcased their competitive edge by finishing second in fields that included six or more teams, further solidifying their presence in the conference.
The Lewis & Clark Pioneers emerged victorious in the dual meet against George Fox, claiming a decisive 171-144 win, while also putting up a commendable fight against a robust Puget Sound team, ultimately finishing with a score of 184-123.
Looking ahead, the Pioneers are set to wrap up the semester on a high note as they embark on a trip to Monterrey Park, California, to compete in the highly-anticipated Winter Collegiate Swim Invite. This exciting meet will span from Friday to Sunday, offering a final opportunity for the team to showcase their skills before the holidays.
What are Ezra Billings’ specific goals for the remainder of the swimming season?
**Interview with Ezra Billings: Men’s Swimming Student-Athlete of the Week**
**Editor**: Congratulations, Ezra, on being named the Northwest Conference Men’s Swimming Student-Athlete of the Week for the second time in three weeks! How does it feel to receive this recognition?
**Ezra Billings**: Thank you! It feels amazing, honestly. Being recognized like this is a testament not only to my hard work but also to the support from my coaches and teammates. It’s really rewarding to see our efforts pay off.
**Editor**: You had a strong showing during the recent meet against George Fox University and the University of Puget Sound. Can you tell us about your performances that led to your victories?
**Ezra Billings**: Sure! I had a great night in the pool. I managed to win both the 100-yard freestyle and the 200-yard freestyle events. The competition was tough, but I was determined to give it my best shot. The adrenaline of racing such strong teams definitely pushed me to perform at my highest level.
**Editor**: What do you attribute your success to in this season?
**Ezra Billings**: A big part of my success has been my training regimen and the dedication of my coaching staff. We’ve been focusing a lot on technique and conditioning, but also the mental aspect of racing. I’ve also made sure to stay focused and maintain a positive mindset, which I think has really helped.
**Editor**: With such a strong performance early in the season, what are your goals for the rest of the swimming season?
**Ezra Billings**: My ultimate goal is to qualify for the NCAA Championships. I really want to push myself and improve my times. I’m also aiming to contribute to the team’s overall success as we progress in the conference and hopefully make a run for the title.
**Editor**: Congratulations again, and best of luck with your goals this season! Is there anything else you’d like to share with your fans and supporters?
**Ezra Billings**: Thank you! I just want to say how grateful I am for all the support from our fans and the Lewis & Clark community. It means a lot to have everyone cheering us on. I hope to keep making them proud!
