Greats, coming and going
Goodbye to Peter Meng, welcome back Sammi Thiele
Peter Meng, Case Western Reserve University
Peter Meng leaves Case Western Reserve as
the greatest Division III swimmer ever to be photographed with Usher while playing paintball;
one of the most gregarious and unmistakably joyful swimmers in the division—the rare athlete who always looked like he was having fun while competing; and
probably the most valuable performer in the history of CWRU men’s swimming.1
In a program that’s clearly on the rise, Peter Meng holds four individual men's event records:
1000 Free
1650 Free
200 IM
400 IM
In the 400 IM, Peter posted the team’s fastest time all four years of his career. Leading a highly competitive team for all four years in an event - any event - is a remarkably difficult achievement.2
This appreciation comes at an inflection point. As Peter retires, he leaves behind two of the strongest alternative candidates for the title of greatest CWRU men’s swimmer: Emil Lasida and John Drumm. Each holds several school records in men's events, and this season, Drumm was Meng’s closest competitor in SRS. Both Lasida and Drumm return next year to continue competing for CWRU.
That said, as he walks out the door, we tip our hat to Peter Meng.
Sammi Thiele, Emory University
One of the most impressive efforts we’ve covered on this blog was Sammi Thiele’s senior season at Division III Nationals. We documented her utterly unlikely performance.
And we noted at the time that she was finishing her college career with a year of eligibility still available. Sammi has now completed her five-year program at Austin College, which included a placement year teaching in a high school, and recently announced that she will be using her final eligibility year to swim at Emory.
I have an opportunity that will never present itself in the NCAA again, and I’d be insane if I didn’t take it. I’m so incredibly grateful that Emory has given me the opportunity to take this chance and to explore a new educational path as well. I can’t put into words how thankful I am for the swim and educational staff at Emory for giving me this opportunity.
It’s always tough to predict how an athlete will perform after a year out of the pool—but then again, predictions have never meant much when it comes to Sammi Thiele. She looks likely to be the highest-upside, out-of-nowhere addition to any roster in Division III this season.
It’s worth noting that in women’s events, CWRU benefited this season from two standout senior performances. Kate Menzer led the team in both the 200 Breast and 200 IM, while Gabby Chambers was first in 50 Free and 100 Free. Ms. Chambers finished second in the 200 Free to the remarkable Claire Kozma, who also led the team in the 500 Free, 100 Fly, and 200 Fly. Ms. Kozma returns next year for her senior season.
That said, John Drumm has a chance to accomplish it in two events—the 100 Fly and 200 Fly. Emil LaSida is in position to do the same in the 100 Back. And on the women’s side, Claire Kozma has a strong shot at leading the team in the 100 Fly all four years.