Swim kicks off 2021-22 season at Emmanuel Fall Invite

FRANKLIN SPRINGS, Ga. (Oct. 5, 2021) – The Point University men's and women's swim teams kicked off their 2021-22 season this past Saturday at the Emmanuel Fall Invite in Franklin Springs, Georgia.

On the women's side, Emmanuel defeated Point 158-16, and on the men's side, the Lions won 159-30. The Lions also took first place in all 11 events. Emmanuel is one of the top NCAA Division II swim programs in the country.

Head Coach Derek Kite is entering his fourth season at the helm of the Skyhawks' swimming program and is hoping the experienced leadership and the tough schedule of competitions will help the teams be ready come the conference championships.

The men's team this season features eight returners and five newcomers with four seniors. Among the returners is Xavier Philips, who highlighted the Skyhawks' season last year by winning the 50-yard freestyle in the Appalachian Athletic Conference Championships. Due to the heavy presence of the COVID-19 pandemic last season, the NAIA canceled the National Championships for swim. Philips was the only Skyhawk to qualify before the cancellation.

This past weekend, Philips began his senior campaign off by helping lead the 200 medley relay team and the 200 freestyle relay team to second-place finishes.

Returning as a captain this season for the men is Jaxon Kite. Along with Philips, Kite was a part of the 200 medley relay team that captured four points in their second-place finish. Another senior member to look for this season is Ben Miller, who was a part of both the 200 medley relay team and 200 freestyle relay team in Saturday's meet.

The women's team returns Nica Pretorius, Taylor Sturgis and Hayley Akbari. Pretorius highlighted the women's team with a third-place finish in the 100 freestyle with a time of 1:02.59, earning three points for her team.

For the complete list of results from Saturday's meet, click the link here.

The Skyhawks will dive back into action on Saturday, Oct. 16, in a tri-match with Thomas and South Georgia State, in Thomasville, Georgia.