SAINT PETER, Minn. — The Gustavus men's and women's swimming & diving teams begin their 2023-24 seasons at home as they host Luther Saturday afternoon. The Gustie men, winners of the past four MIAC championships, are looking to maintain their dominance at the top of the conference, while the Gustie women are hoping to make the jump from second to first in the league.

The Gustie men return a wealth of All-Conference selections from last season, including three individuals who claimed 15 MIAC championships, highlighted by 2021-22 MIAC Swimmer of the Year Matt Strom. Strom won the 500 free, 200 free, 1650 free, and was a part of four winning relay teams at last year's MIAC Championships. Other All-Conference returners include Peyton Richardson, Kieran Ripken, and Nyden Hill. 

"We graduated a lot of elite swimmers, but have excellent leadership coming back with our current group of seniors, as well as a talented group of freshmen who will step in and contribute right away," said Head Coach Jon Carlson. "While all our seniors will certainly play a big role in leading this team, we'll look toward Peyton Richardson, Kieran Ripken, Tyler Teichmiller, and Matt Strom in the water and Andrew Jensen on the boards to play a major role in leadership and performance."

The Gustie women, who finished second at last year's MIAC Championships, return four All-Conference selections in Lindsay Sundby, Lucy Peterson, Marit Isaacson and Mikayla Witte. The Gusties finished 14 points shy of St. Catherine for the conference title last season, and will look to the experience of returning All-Americans Peterson and Isaacson to lead to way. The two already have NCAA experience under their belt, and earned NCAA Honorable Mention and CSCAA Second Team All-America honors in the 200 and 400 free relays last season. 

"The women came so close to a conference championship last year, and did a lot of work in the off-season to get themselves ready to make another run this season," Carlson said. "They also have a really good group of freshmen coming in, and some great returners who have scored major points for us at the conference meet. Our divers are particularly strong this season, with returning experience from the NCAA Regionals as well as a quality group of freshmen. We have a great group of senior leadership who have grown as swimmers during their college years and know what's important to make big jumps in performance.

"Our goal on both sides is to win the conference and have a great presence at the NCAA Championships. We're looking forward to finally getting meets started and to see where we are as a team heading into the season."