The Unstoppable Scots: A Swimming Success That Makes a Splash!
Ah, Minnesota! Where the ice is thick but the spirits of the Scots are even thicker. The Macalester College women’s swimming and diving team decided to plunge—quite literally—into the deep end at the Phoenix Fall Classic, hosted by none other than the University of Chicago. Held from November 22 to 24, this spectacle of splashes, turns, and the occasional underwater somersault saw a small but fierce group of swimmers representing the Scots. And I must say, they didn’t just dip their toes in—they dived headfirst into glory!
Record-Breaking Swimmer: Meet Molly Nuckolls
First-year sensation Molly Nuckolls from Lawrence, Kansas, made waves (and then some) by setting a school record in the 200-yard butterfly! With a jaw-dropping time of 2:09.33, she not only claimed victory over the previous record of 2:10.97—held by her own teammate Hannah Zurn—but also gave us all a reason to re-evaluate our own fitness regimes. I mean, if she can break records in the pool, what’s stopping me from breaking my personal best of sitting on the couch?!
Nuckolls’ decision to skip the finals, despite her record-breaking preliminary performance, was noted with a slight chuckle and a touch of mystery. Perhaps she had a hot date with a bag of chips or was attempting to break a record for Netflix binge-watching? Regardless, her other performances, including a commendable 20th in the 500-yard freestyle, showcased a promising start to what could be an illustrious career.
Strong Supporting Cast: Senior Stars Shine
Not to be outdone, the senior talent brought their A-game as well! Caroline Chapon threw down the gauntlet with a stellar time of 24.44 in the 50-yard freestyle, currently leading the MIAC. I guess you could say she’s literally swimming in success! She also competed fiercely in the 200-yard individual medley, taking 20th place with a respectable 2:13.95 in the B final, showcasing the deep reserves of talent the Scots have.
In team spirit that would make any coach proud, Chapon, Nuckolls, Verity Wray-Raabolle, and first-year Carolyn Wolking teamed up to snatch 13th in the 400-yard medley relay with a time of 4:01.16, which ranked them second in the MIAC. Looks like they’re swimming with a bit of a competitive edge and a splash of camaraderie!
The Relay and Individual Triumphs
The Scots further demonstrated their talent in numerous events. For instance, the 200-yard medley relay team, consisting of Wray-Raabolle, Wolking, Chapon, and Olga Merkadeau, placed 13th with a time of 1:49.22, also the second-fastest in the MIAC. Wray-Raabolle evidently had no intention of waving the white flag; she qualified for the A final in the 100-yard backstroke, securing the top spot in the MIAC with a time of 57.96. Now, if only we could get her to swim to the grocery store to pick up some essentials!
As the Season Continues…
This remarkable performance culminates in a sense of anticipation as Macalester gets ready to host the Roger Ahlman Invitational on December 6-7 at Riley Pool—the last competition of the semester. As we await more splashes, records, and perhaps a few unexpected surprises, one thing’s for sure: the Scots are making quite the splash, not just in the pool but in the hearts of their supporters.
So, here’s to the ladies of Macalester swimming and diving: keep pushing those boundaries, breaking records, and making us laugh! Why? Because if you can’t dive in and take life seriously, at least make it entertaining as you bob along!
For those wanting to dive deeper into the results, check them out here.
ST. PAUL, Minn. – In an impressive display of talent, the Macalester College women’s swimming & diving team participated in the highly competitive Phoenix Fall Classic, hosted by the University of Chicago from November 22-24. Among the standout performances, first year swimmer Molly Nuckolls from Lawrence, Kan., made history by setting a new school record on Sunday, further establishing her prowess in the water.
Nuckolls achieved a remarkable time of 2:09.33 in the 200-yard butterfly, breaking the previous record of 2:10.97 that had been held by her own teammate, Hannah Zurn of Hudson, Wis. Notably, she accomplished this feat during the preliminary round and chose to forgo the final swim later that evening. In addition, Nuckolls showcased her versatility by making the B final in the 500-yard freestyle on Friday, clocking in at 5:14.84, and she ultimately finished 20th with a time of 5:15.89.
Senior swimmer Caroline Chapon, hailing from Evanston, Ill., delivered an impressive performance in the 200-yard individual medley, completing the race in 2:11.38 and securing 20th place in the B final with a time of 2:13.95. Chapon also recorded the fastest time in the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC) for the 50-yard freestyle this season, achieving an impressive 24.44 seconds. Together with Nuckolls, senior Verity Wray-Raabolle from Owatonna, Minn., and first year swimmer Carolyn Wolking from Micanopy, Fla., they collectively earned a commendable 13th place in the 400-yard medley relay with a time of 4:01.16, marking the second-best time in the MIAC this season.
On Saturday, the Scots’ formidable 200-yard medley relay team, consisting of Wray-Raabolle, Wolking, Chapon, and senior Olga Merkadeau from Lafayette, Calif., secured 13th place with a time of 1:49.22, which stands as the second-fastest time recorded in the MIAC this season. Wray-Raabolle also qualified for the A final in the highly competitive 100-yard backstroke with a remarkable time of 57.96 seconds, leading the MIAC standings. Although she finished 10th in the final with a time of 58.32, her performance retained her strong standing on the conference leaderboard. Additionally, Chapon and Nuckolls both advanced to the B final in the 400-yard individual medley, finishing 13th and 14th, respectively. Wolking also showcased her skills by making the B final in the 100-yard breaststroke, ultimately placing 12th with a time of 1:08.48. In a strong team effort, Nuckolls, Chapon, Merkadeau, and senior Natalie Pollock from Madison, Wis., secured 7th place in the 800-yard freestyle relay with an impressive time of 8:03.74.
On the final day of competition, aside from her record-setting swim in the 200 butterfly, Nuckolls finished a commendable 9th place in the 1650-yard freestyle, clocking in at 18:01.83. Wray-Raabolle also made a strong showing by qualifying for the B final in the 200-yard backstroke, finishing the prelims in a noteworthy 2:12.74. Additionally, Wolking qualified for the B final in the 200-yard breaststroke, achieving a time of 2:30.91.
Looking ahead, Macalester will host the Roger Ahlman Invitational on December 6-7 at Riley Pool, marking the final competition of the semester where they hope to showcase their talent once again.
Click here for complete results.
What strategies did Raabolle use to achieve her impressive time in the 100-yard backstroke at the MIAC?
Raabolle also shone bright, qualifying for the A final in the 100-yard backstroke, where she posted an impressive time of 57.96 seconds—this time marking her as the top backstroker in the MIAC.
As the season progresses, the excitement builds around the upcoming Roger Ahlman Invitational, slated for December 6-7 at Riley Pool in St. Paul. This event will not only serve as the final competition of the semester but also as a stage for the Scots to showcase their growing talent and camaraderie.
this weekend’s Phoenix Fall Classic highlighted the formidable skills of both the first-year and senior swimmers from Macalester College, as they continue to push each other to new heights and inspire those watching from the sidelines. As they dive into the depths of competition, they remind us that while records are made to be broken, the spirit of teamwork and determination is what truly makes a splash!
