Get ready to dive into a thrilling showdown between two swimming powerhouses! On January 31, 2026, the Michigan Wolverines hosted Division III giant Denison for a senior day meet that showcased incredible talent and fierce competition. The Wolverines swept both the men’s and women’s events, with the women securing a 202-87 victory and the men dominating 202-92. But here’s where it gets exciting: this wasn’t just any meet—it was a preview of what’s to come as Michigan gears up for the Big Ten Championships and Denison prepares for the North Coast Athletic Conference (NCAC) Championships. Results are available in full detail here: Results PDF.
Women’s Highlights: A Showcase of Speed and Resilience
The women’s side of the meet was nothing short of electrifying, led by Bella Sims, who clocked an impressive 1:51.46 in the 200 backstroke. While just 0.20 seconds shy of her season-best 1:51.26 (which ranks #9 in the NCAA), Sims’ performance was a testament to her consistency and skill. Fun fact: Her season-best time was set in October during a tri-meet featuring UCLA and Northwestern—talk about a tough field!
Another standout was Hannah Bellard, the newly crowned Big Ten Record holder in the 200 fly. Instead of racing her signature event, Bellard opted for the 200 freestyle, where she smashed her personal best with a 1:43.83 (#29 in the NCAA). She also claimed victory in the 100 fly with a time of 51.78. And this is the part most people miss: Bellard’s versatility is what makes her such a force to be reckoned with.
Letitia Sim took the 200 breaststroke in 2:08.13, slightly off her NCAA #3-ranked season best of 2:06.52. She later teamed up with Milla Drakopoulos, Brady Kendall, and Ella Jo Piersma to win the 400 medley relay in 3:30.55. Speaking of Kendall, she delivered a lifetime best in the 100 freestyle with a 48.07—a huge achievement for the senior who helped Michigan’s 400 free relay secure 4th place at the 2025 NCAA Championships.
Devon Kitchel, another senior, made her mark by winning the 100 backstroke in 52.99—her first time racing the event in over two years. Controversial question: Could Kitchel’s return to this event signal a shift in her training focus?
Denison’s Phoebe Ferguson shone in the 200 IM, winning in 2:06.16, though she placed 4th overall as Michigan’s swimmers were exhibitioned. Drue Thielking finished 2nd in both the 200 IM (2:09.42) and the 200 breast (2:17.94), showcasing her versatility.
Men’s Highlights: Dominance in Every Stroke
The Michigan men were equally unstoppable, led by Colin Geer, who swept the 200 freestyle (1:35.52) and the 200 breaststroke (1:55.60). His 200 breast time was just half a second off his lifetime best of 1:55.07, set last February. But here’s where it gets controversial: Could Geer’s consistency in the breaststroke make him a dark horse for the NCAA title?
Antoine Sauve doubled up with wins in the 50 free (19.94) and the 500 free (4:20.96), though his 50 free time was slightly off his personal best of 19.77. Tyler Ray took the 200 fly in 1:40.62, just over a second off his NCAA #4-ranked season best of 1:39.60. He also contributed to Michigan’s winning 400 medley relay (3:09.12), alongside Eitan Ben Shitrit, Matt Kroll, and Luka Mladenovic.
Ben Shitrit had a standout day, leading off the relay with a lifetime best of 47.03 in the 100 backstroke and later winning the individual event in 47.24. He also touched first in the 200 IM (1:45.02), though he was exhibitioned as Denison’s Liam Nelson claimed the official win in 1:54.51. Nelson was Denison’s top scorer, adding a 3rd place in the 100 breast (55.77) and 5th in the 200 breast (2:05.59). Thought-provoking question: With Nelson’s NCAA Division III ‘B’ final experience, is Denison poised to challenge for more titles this season?
Final Thoughts: A Meet to Remember
This meet was more than just a senior day celebration—it was a showcase of talent, resilience, and the competitive spirit that defines collegiate swimming. As Michigan and Denison look ahead to their respective conference championships, one thing is clear: both teams are forces to be reckoned with. What’s your take? Do you think Michigan can dominate the Big Ten, or will Denison surprise at the NCAC? Let us know in the comments!
