Eastern Michigan Athletics
Eastern Michigan University
MAC Championship
Eagles Look For Third Consecutive Title at MAC Championship
2/16/2009 2:49:29 PM | M. Swim & Dive
EMU heads to Nashville, Tenn. for MAC Championship
Complete Release (PDF)
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FOR THE 45TH TIME: The 2008-09 season marks the 45th season for men's swimming and diving at Eastern Michigan University. Throughout the years, EMU has won 27 Mid-American Conference Championships, four NAIA Championships and was the NCAA Division II National Champion in 1972. Arguably one of the most successful programs at EMU, the Eagles have only had three head coaches during their history. Bill Lewis began the program in 1964 before giving way to Mike Jones in 1968. Peter Linn has been at the helm of EMU swimming and diving since the 1988 season, leading the Eagles to 17 of the past 20 MAC titles.
LOOKING FOR 28: The Eastern Michigan University men's swimming and diving team will be looking to win its 28th overall Mid-American Conference title this season. The Eagles have won the past two titles and eight of the last nine. EMU lost only three seniors from last year's squad and returns 12 swimmers who earned All-MAC honors last season.
CHAMPIONSHIP TIME: It is that time of year when trophies are handed out and the Eastern Michigan University men's swimming and diving team heads to Nashville, Tenn., Feb. 18-21 to defend its 2008 Mid-American Conference title. The Eagles, along with the other three MAC schools, will compete with the Sun Belt Conference to determine the conference champion. The combined meet will be scored as one, but student-athletes and teams from each conference will be recognized separately. The top three finishers from each conference will be awarded medals and the top teams from each conference will be named their respective champion.
LOOKING FOR A THREE-PEAT: The Eagles will be searching for their third consecutive title and its ninth title in 10 years. The Eagles have won every title since the 1999-2000 season, with the lone exception of the 2005-06 season. Last year, the first season the MAC and Sun Belt teamed up, the Eagles racked up 559 points en route to the title. EMU defeated its nearest MAC competition by 273.5 points. Peter Linn picked up his sixth Coach of the Year honor, diving coach Buck Smith was named Coach of the Year for the sixth time as well and Derick Roe was named Swimmer of the Year. In addition, the Eagles placed 16 swimmers on All-MAC squads.
53 AND COUNTING: With a perfect 3-0 mark in conference action this season, the Eagles have now won 53 MAC dual meets in a row. EMU last dropped a conference meet to Toledo, 130-113, during the 1997-98 season. The Eagles will now take their streak into next season.
LAST TIME OUT: The Eagles wrapped up the regular season with a 179-119 win over Miami University. EMU honored its senior class prior to the meet as part of Senior Day at Jones Natatorium. For his efforts at the meet, Derick Roe was selected MAC Swimmer of Week after winning the 50 and 100 freestyle races.
