By Mackenzie McMahon

Conner Halberg finished in first place in two races during the 216.5-81.5 loss to the University of Chicago on Saturday, Jan. 22 at the Holland Community Aquatic Center. 

The 18th-ranked Flying Dutchmen saw two first place finishes, and three second place finishes against the No. 5 nationally ranked University of Chicago. 

Halberg (Novi, Michigan / Northville HS), pictured right, took home first place in both the 200-yard freestyle and the 500-yard freestyle race, clocking in at 1:41.97 and 4:41.21, respectively. 

Ben Catton, a sophomore from Holland, Michigan (Holland Christian), grabbed second place in the 100-yard backstroke, as well as the 100-yard butterfly. Catton clocked a 51.80 time in the backstroke, and 51.57 in the butterfly. 

The 200-yard freestyle relay had a second place finish. The group composed of Catton, Jackson Uyl, Colin Kalkman, and Joel Cummins clocked a 1:25.88 time. 

The Flying Dutchmen finished the meet with seven third place finishes. Ted Lockett (100-yard breaststroke, 1:00.23), Conor East (200-yard butterfly, 1:57.38), Theo Duong (1000-yard freestyle, 10:19.32; 500-yard freestyle, 2:27.94), and Colin Kalkman (200-yard backstroke) each locked in third place in their respective races. The 200-yard freestyle medley of Dallas Fisher, Jack Muller, Catton and Uyl grabbed third place with a time of 1:35.26.

In diving, Ewan Tiongson (Portage, Michigan / Portage Northern) scored a 187.85 in the 1 meter dive to take home third place for Hope College. 

The Flying Dutchmen's next meet is on Saturday, Jan. 29 as they host Albion College at the Holland Aquatic Center.