Principia Swim Team Vs. Adversity

Adversity is part of sports, but few teams are challenged with the misfortune that met the Principia College swim team this past season.


Coach Jenny Moeller and the swimmers found themselves without a place to swim, and forced them to commute to Godfrey for practice. Two of the best swimmers on the team were suspended from school and off the team.

“It was hard for me,” Moeller said, commenting on the time of practice, “ but I think it was harder for them.” In February the swim team arrived home from practice after midnight.

Moeller laughed a little, almost in disbelief that she made it through the season. She talks about how this was definitely the most challenging swim season in her six years as a swimmer and coach at Principia. Although the season was difficult, she said she was pleased with the results at the Liberal Arts Swimming and Diving Championship in Coe College in Cedar Rapids Iowa. The Liberal Arts Invitational is the climax of the swim team’s season.

“I wanted everyone to come away happy with how they swam; I wanted everyone to get a lifetime [best].” She said with 42 lifetime bests, 18 season bests, and 26 top 16 finishes at the meet, Moeller’s goal was accomplished. Both the women and men’s teams finished seventh out of 11 and 13 teams.

Moeller cited the performances of two freshman swimmers. Jenny Bailey was two-tenths of a second from qualifying for nationals, and broke two school records in the 50 freestyle with a 24.68 and the 100 freestyle with a 53.89.

Bailey said she is in the best shape of her life and that is evident with her results. “It was the best meet I ever had because I got all my lifetime bests.” She says, “I just wanted to end the season well.”

The other freshman who excelled this year was Aaron Olszeski, who placed sixth in the 500 freestyle with a 4:58.30. He came from a strong background of club teams and a good record in high school. Unfortunately for the Principia swim team he is transferring at the end of winter quarter. To accept a scholarship to swim for Division II Lewis University in Chicago.

“I was offered money to swim at another college where my brother is attending.” Olszeski said adding that, “ It’s hard to do something when you know you can be better at it.”

Jenny Moeller is confident about next year with the new home pool and a recruiting class and she hopes to turn the women’s team into a powerhouse.