This past weekend Rowan men’s swim team swam in the Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) Gompei Invitational in Worcester Massachusetts. 

Over the three-day tournament, the Profs swam exceptionally well and exceeded expectations for WPI.

“I thought it was exceptional,” Head Coach Brad Bowser. “I thought about where we are at this time in the year training-wise. I thought they responded very well to the little rest that we gave them and putting the tech suits on, they swam lights out.”

With little to no rest over the three days, the Profs would manage to swim lights out in Worcester in WPI. On day one of the invitational junior Jack Watson had a strong showing.

Watson swam a 21.23 in the 50 free prelims. He would later hit an NCAA ‘B’ cut qualifying time in the finals with a 20.48.

In the 200 medley relay team of Jimmy Kundrats, Joe Rucci, Watson and Paul Riter were first in a time of 1:32.50. Watson and Cahnbley joined Nico Andriato, and Alex Volin in the 800 medley relay for a first-place time of 6:54.25.

Over the second DAY of the WPI Gompei Invitational, Watson continued his success. He would hit another NCCA B cut time with a time of 48.68 in 100 Back.

In the 200 free relay team, Watson contributed with Ritter, Matt DeGennaro and Tobias Cahnbely finishing with a time of 1:23:76 for the victory. On the 400 medley team with Joe Rucci, Alex Volin and Micheal Fracchiolla, he finished first once again with a time of 3:23:35.

Watson would finish off his weekend with over five top finishes at the meet, including in the 200 backstroke. Kevin Yanagisawa would finish second in the event with a time of 1:52:26. 

Yanagisawa has been on the team for the past five years adapting and evolving over the years, specifically at the annual WPI Gompei Invitational.

“I was definitely very proud of how I was and where I am standing now and I can definitely see the progression from last year to this year, and the work I have been putting in,” Yanagisawa said. “I think I am at a really good point right now to continue training and train even harder so by the time Mets [Metropolitan Conference Championships] come around I will be in top shape.”

The Prof’s next meet will be at home in Tony Lisa Natatorium in the new year on Jan. 14 against Ramapo College.

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