Swimming & Diving 2/28/2023 2:38:00 PM Jordyn Berg

Eight Swim and Dive Golden Grizzlies Named to Academic All-District Team

ROCHESTER, Mich. - Eight athletes from the Oakland Swim and Dive teams were named to the College Sports Communicators All-District team including Christian Bart, Andrew Bernsdorf, Sam McKenzie, Ben Rojewski, Taylor Bailey, Susan LaGrand, Sohvi Nenonen, and Jordyn Shipps.

These athletes were named to All-District Team following their remarkable performances for the Golden Grizzlies this season, and most notably contributing to the tenth consecutive school title for Horizon League Champions.

Bart has continued to elevate the competition field, and as an individual, he continues to improve during his fifth year as a Golden Grizzly. With an astounding seven six first-place wins during Horizon League Championships including the 50-yard freestyle, 200-yard free relay, 400-yard medley relay, 100-yard breaststroke, 100-yard freestyle, and 400-yard free relay he left his mark in the pool and was yet again a part of the legendary conference champion team alongside his teammates.

Bernsdorf entered his fourth year for Oakland rounding out the season with notable successes helping the team defend the name of conference champions for the season. Additionally, his regular season performances were a key part to the team's success and perseverance throughout the duration of the year.

McKenzie came to Oakland as a well-rounded swimmer and has demonstrated his expertise in the pool continually throughout the season. The New Zealand native capped off the 2023 season with energetic first-place finishes at Horizon League Championships in the 800-yard free relay, 200-yard medley relay, 200-yard IM, 400-yard medley relay, 200-yard freestyle, 400-yard medley relay, and third place in the 100-yard freestyle.

Rojewski proved to be a key part in the development of the program as a swimmer and student this season, and with both his contributions as an athlete, and his work in the classroom, he exceeded the standard of excellence for Golden Grizzly Swim and Dive. Notably, at conference, he helped the team secure the first-place champion title with his performances in the lanes.

Bailey had an astounding season competing strongly throughout her fifth year at Oakland and closed out the year at Horizon League Championships with first-place finishes in the 200-yard relay, 100-yard breaststroke, and 200-yard breaststroke, and additionally broke a school and meet record in the 800-yard free relay at conference.

LaGrand is no stranger to pool at Oakland as she finished her fifth year as an honorable Golden Grizzly, and wrapped up the season of successful performances helping her team clinch the Horizon League title for the 10th consecutive year. Notable conference performances from LaGrand include first-place finishes in the 200-yard medley relay, 800-yard free relay, 200-yard IM, 400-yard medley relay, 400-yard IM, 200-yard backstroke, and 400-yard free relay.

Nenonen has been a crucial part of the team and her efforts in the lanes do not go unnoticed, especially after an impressive season during her senior year. She took first place at conference in the 800-yard free relay, and second place in the 200-yard IM, 400-yard IM, and the 200-yard butterfly, helping her team punch the championship title.

Last, but not least, Shipps had a record year holding the second-best mid-major time in the country for her time in the 100-yard IM, and she has made inspiring strides in the pool for Oakland. She topped her season off with exciting conference victories in the 800-yard free relay, 400-yard medley relay, 100-yard butterfly, 100-yard freestyle, and 400-yard free relay.

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