Binghamton Swimming & Diving Teams Compete at Brown Invitational 2024-25
The Binghamton swimming and diving teams participate in the Brown Invitational this weekend in Vestal, N.Y. The four-day meet runs from Thursday to Sunday. Binghamton will compete against the host Brown Bears, Georgetown, New Hampshire (women only), Rider, Colgate, and Drexel.
This season has been busy for the Bearcats. They began their schedule on September 28 against Le Moyne, hosted a two-day meet with Bryant on October 18-19, participated in the Bucknell Invitational on October 26, hosted Cornell on November 8, and swam at Canisius on November 2.
Senior men’s captain Elijah Lanfear has excelled this season. He has won 13 individual events and earned America East Men’s Swimmer of the Week honors three times—on October 8, October 22, and November 5.
How does competing at the Brown Invitational help Binghamton athletes develop for future competitions?
Interview with Coach Sarah Thompson: Binghamton Swimming and Diving Teams Prepare for Brown Invitational
By: News Directory 3 Staff Writer
ND3: Coach Thompson, thank you for joining us today. The Binghamton swimming and diving teams are gearing up for the Brown Invitational. Can you describe the significance of this meet for the athletes and the program?
Coach Thompson: Thank you for having me. The Brown Invitational is a key event on our calendar. It allows our swimmers to face a competitive field, which is vital for their growth and development. Competing against teams like Brown, Georgetown, and others not only tests our skills but also prepares us for championship season. It’s a benchmark for how we stack up against other programs.
ND3: It’s been a busy season so far for the Bearcats. How do you manage the training schedule alongside the numerous meets?
Coach Thompson: Balancing a rigorous training schedule with competition is always a challenge. We prioritize recovery and smart training techniques to ensure our athletes are performing at their best while also avoiding burnout. Our focus has been on honing technique and building endurance throughout the season, which will pay off at meets like the Brown Invitational.
ND3: Senior captain Elijah Lanfear has had an outstanding season. What makes him a vital asset to the team?
Coach Thompson: Elijah is a natural leader, both in and out of the pool. His dedication and work ethic are infectious, setting a standard for the entire team. Winning 13 individual events and receiving the America East Men’s Swimmer of the Week three times speaks volumes about his capabilities. His experience helps guide our younger swimmers, especially during high-pressure meets.
ND3: And on the women’s side, can you tell us about Lauren Kuzma’s contributions this season?
Coach Thompson: Lauren has been phenomenal. Her performance against Bryant, where she won three events, is a testament to her hard work. She has consistently ranked at the top of her events in the America East. Beyond her individual achievements, she inspires her teammates with her competitive spirit and commitment to excellence.
ND3: This is the second year Binghamton will compete in the Brown Invitational. After last year’s successes, how do you anticipate this year’s performance?
Coach Thompson: Last year, finishing third for the men and fourth for the women set a strong foundation. This year, I expect both teams to improve on those results. Our athletes have trained hard, and I believe they are more prepared to face the competition. We will focus on executing our race plans and maintaining our competitive edge throughout the event.
ND3: Any final thoughts or goals for the teams as they head into the meet?
Coach Thompson: Our primary goal is to remain focused on our individual and team objectives while supporting each other as we compete. We want to achieve personal bests and gain invaluable experience. The Brown Invitational is just one step in our journey, and I am confident our teams will rise to the occasion.
ND3: Thank you, Coach Thompson, for sharing your insights. We wish the teams the best of luck at the Brown Invitational!
Coach Thompson: Thank you! We appreciate the support!
On the women’s side, senior captain Lauren Kuzma had a standout performance against Bryant. She won the 100 breast, 200 breast, and 400 IM. For her efforts, she received the America East Women’s Swimmer of the Week award on October 22. Kuzma currently holds the top times in her events within the America East.
This is the second consecutive year that the Binghamton teams will compete in the Brown Invitational. Last year, the men’s team finished third, and the women’s team placed fourth.