This season is especially significant for the Pioneer swim teams—not only are they stacked with solid performers, but they are starting off the season in the new natatorium with Russell K. Osgood Pool and Deck.

“It’s looking like it’s going to be a really good season,” said co-captain Cy Mistry ’11, who has racked up considerable points over the past few meets. Teammate Pat Stuchlik ’11 agreed—”We can score points in a lot of different events this year,” he said.

The Pioneers made waves in their first meet on Nov. 13, decisively defeating Luther College 154-80. “We owned them,” Stuchlik said. “Just mouthpieced.”

Next up for the men is Loras College, who they will face off against on Saturday, Nov. 20. The Pioneers are going into their second match with confidence, as they consider Luther College superior to Loras.

Despite their optimism, the Pioneers work to keep focus on themselves, not their opponents. “We don’t really worry about other teams,” said co-captain Ross Noecker ’11. “Our goal is to just keep progression, and trust that in the end it will be there.”

While individual effort is certainly the main reason for the Pioneers’ success, the influence of the new pool cannot be underestimated.

“It’s changed everything,” Mistry said.

“It’s good for all levels,” Noecker added. “It’s going to do a lot for the community.”

If the first meet is any indication, the men’s team is indeed set for a successful season. Mistry and first-year teammates Michael Brus ’14 and Joe Lytle ’14 took home three events each. For his performance, Brus was named Midwest Conference Performer of the Week.

In addition to the talented newcomers, veteran swimmers Thomas Lankiewicz ’12 and Colin Yarnell ’12 also impressed, winning two events each.

“People have been improving by leaps and bounds,” Mistry said. Noecker was even more enthusiastic. “We’re all good,” he said.

The women’s team didn’t fare as well against Luther—they fell by a score of 90-153—but their season is looking up.

“The team’s looking great,” said Jacqueline Anderson ’11.

After Saturday’s meet, first-year Imelda Wistey ’14 won CollegeSwimming.com’s Swimmer of the Week award in addition to a Midwest Conference Performer of the Week title. Wistey is only the fourth Grinnell swimmer ever to be honored by CollegeSwimming.com.

Anderson pointed out that Luther is an especially tough team to beat and the score does not necessarily reflect the team’s talent. “Everyone’s made huge improvements,” she said.

While Wistey dominated in the breaststroke—she set both the school and Midwest Conference record in her debut performance—Grinnell had a strong showing in a number of other events, including the 400 medley relay and the 200 freestyle.

“We’re strong across the board,” said Anderson.

Anderson agrees with the men’s team that the sleek natatorium has made a huge difference.

“It’s absolutely fantastic,” she said.

Both she and Mistry concur that the new pool makes practice easier, a boon for improving at every event.

So far, it has been the setting of some impressive swimming, according to Anderson.

“People swam amazingly,” she said.

Both Wistey and teammate Morgan Horton ’11 were runners up in the 400 medley last Saturday. Horton captured the 100 butterfly, and Anderson raced to second in the 100 freestyle.

Both teams face Loras away at 1 p.m. this Saturday.