Western Wayne Today

The Wayne State University swimming and diving teams are preparing to host a non-conference dual meet against Oakland University. The event is scheduled for Saturday at 1 p.m. at the Matthaei Center, marking Wayne State's penultimate dual of the 2024-25 regular season.

Head coach Sean Peters expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming competition, stating, "We welcome the Golden Grizzlies from the great white north of Rochester, about 40 minutes up I-75, if you go the speed limit. The Grizzlies are a repeating conference champion like from the time when the Bee-Gees were a thing. We are excited to host them and have some quality races and dives against a strong Division I program. I am definitely excited to compete tomorrow at the Matthaei!"

Oakland University's swimming program has an impressive history in the Horizon League, with their men's team securing 46 championships and their women's team winning 30 titles. Mitch Alters, who took over as head coach last season following Pete Hovland's retirement, has continued this tradition of success by leading both teams to another conference championship in 2024.

Hovland was instrumental in establishing Oakland's dominance in collegiate swimming during his tenure. He joined as an assistant coach in 1979 before becoming head coach two years later. Under his leadership, Oakland's men’s team won consecutive league championships throughout his entire tenure on staff—a streak that lasted for 45 years. Additionally, he led the women’s team for 25 seasons, achieving a remarkable run of 29 straight league titles.

Looking ahead, Wayne State will conclude its regular season with a home meet against Calvin on January 25th at 1 p.m., which will also serve as Senior Day.