Higgins Continues Unbeaten Streak, Galyer Shines For Kentucky On Senior Day
Higgins Continues Unbeaten Streak, Galyer Shines For Kentucky On Senior Day
Kyle Higgins and Danielle Galyer shine for the University of Kentucky Wildcats on their Senior Day on Saturday.
The Louisville men's and women's swimming teams put a damper on Kentucky's Senior Day by sweeping their in-state rivals on Saturday in Lexington, KY. The visiting Cardinals took home the victory on both sides, with a women's score of 167-133 and a men's score of 176-123. Fans from both teams packed the Lancaster Aquatic Center with an electric atmosphere, while 14 Kentucky seniors were honored before the teams went head to head.
"The energy of the crowd was phenomenal," UK head coach Lars Jorgensen said. "We have a lot of respect for Louisville, and when they come out the whole place is sold out and the crowd has a lot of energy. It's a great college dual meet."
Despite tough losses for Kentucky, the Wildcats had several standout performances, including races from seniors Danielle Galyer and Kyle Higgins. Galyer is the reigning NCAA champion in the 200-yard backstroke and took first in her signature event by 1.5 seconds in an NCAA B time of 1:56.72. She also finished second in a 1-2-3 sweep for the Cats in the 100 backstroke with a 54.09, just behind freshman Asia Seidt (53.79). Junior Bridgette Alexander (55.21) finished third.
"Our backstrokers have come so far," Galyer said of her teammates. "I'm excited to see what they do in the future, even when I'm not here anymore."
Higgins was also part of a UK sweep in the men's 200 butterfly, touching first with an NCAA B time of 1:45.79, followed by teammates Matthew Beach (1:47.18) and Jacob Smith (1:49.91). Smith finished just one-10th of a second ahead of Louisville's Zach Harting, and the crowd roared with excitement for the UK trio.
"I didn't even look at any times or places when I finished," Higgins said. "I just looked over at Jacob's face and that was a pretty cool moment."
In addition to his first place finish, Higgins continued his undefeated streak in the event this season.
"One of the goals Lars had for me at the beginning of the year was to be undefeated in the 200 fly during the regular season," Higgins said. "It feels good to accomplish that so far."
With one regular season dual meet left for the Wildcats, it appears very likely Higgins will check that goal off his list.
As far as championship season is concerned, the seniors are looking forward to wrapping up their final months with a strong team finish.
"My freshman year we had three people qualify for NCAAs," Galyer said. "This year we should have about 10, including four girls that will hopefully be around the top 10 in the 200 back, so I just can't wait to watch everybody swim."
Those girls to keep an eye on are the aforementioned Seidt, Alexander, and Danielle's younger sister, freshman Ali Galyer. All four posted top 10 times in the nation at the Ohio State Invitational in November.
Higgins is likely already qualified for NCAAs from his 1:42.66 in the 200 butterfly back in November as well and has high hopes for the end of his career.
"I definitely want to do something at NCAAs that I can look back on and be proud of, like being an All-American is a goal I have," he said. "But even if I don't reach my goals I'll still be proud of how far I've come in these last four years."
Despite the final outcome of the meet Saturday, the UK seniors have much to look forward to heading into SECs and NCAAs. Next Saturday, UK will be making a trip to face Cincinnati for its final regular season dual meet against the Bearcats at 5 PM EST.
By Adrian Rudd
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"The energy of the crowd was phenomenal," UK head coach Lars Jorgensen said. "We have a lot of respect for Louisville, and when they come out the whole place is sold out and the crowd has a lot of energy. It's a great college dual meet."
Despite tough losses for Kentucky, the Wildcats had several standout performances, including races from seniors Danielle Galyer and Kyle Higgins. Galyer is the reigning NCAA champion in the 200-yard backstroke and took first in her signature event by 1.5 seconds in an NCAA B time of 1:56.72. She also finished second in a 1-2-3 sweep for the Cats in the 100 backstroke with a 54.09, just behind freshman Asia Seidt (53.79). Junior Bridgette Alexander (55.21) finished third.
"Our backstrokers have come so far," Galyer said of her teammates. "I'm excited to see what they do in the future, even when I'm not here anymore."
Higgins was also part of a UK sweep in the men's 200 butterfly, touching first with an NCAA B time of 1:45.79, followed by teammates Matthew Beach (1:47.18) and Jacob Smith (1:49.91). Smith finished just one-10th of a second ahead of Louisville's Zach Harting, and the crowd roared with excitement for the UK trio.
"I didn't even look at any times or places when I finished," Higgins said. "I just looked over at Jacob's face and that was a pretty cool moment."
In addition to his first place finish, Higgins continued his undefeated streak in the event this season.
"One of the goals Lars had for me at the beginning of the year was to be undefeated in the 200 fly during the regular season," Higgins said. "It feels good to accomplish that so far."
With one regular season dual meet left for the Wildcats, it appears very likely Higgins will check that goal off his list.
As far as championship season is concerned, the seniors are looking forward to wrapping up their final months with a strong team finish.
"My freshman year we had three people qualify for NCAAs," Galyer said. "This year we should have about 10, including four girls that will hopefully be around the top 10 in the 200 back, so I just can't wait to watch everybody swim."
Those girls to keep an eye on are the aforementioned Seidt, Alexander, and Danielle's younger sister, freshman Ali Galyer. All four posted top 10 times in the nation at the Ohio State Invitational in November.
Higgins is likely already qualified for NCAAs from his 1:42.66 in the 200 butterfly back in November as well and has high hopes for the end of his career.
"I definitely want to do something at NCAAs that I can look back on and be proud of, like being an All-American is a goal I have," he said. "But even if I don't reach my goals I'll still be proud of how far I've come in these last four years."
Despite the final outcome of the meet Saturday, the UK seniors have much to look forward to heading into SECs and NCAAs. Next Saturday, UK will be making a trip to face Cincinnati for its final regular season dual meet against the Bearcats at 5 PM EST.
By Adrian Rudd
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