Week of January 12-18, 2009
Peter Brengel
Men's Swimming
Peter Brengel broke the Lawrence record in the 100-yard backstroke and took second in the event at the tough University of Chicago Invitational on Jan. 17. Brengel's time of 53.20 seconds, the fastest in the Midwest Conference this season, broke the Lawrence record of 53.96 set by Steve Vander Naalt in 2006. The freshman from Milwaukee, Wis., also placed sixth in the 200 backstroke in 2:03.78. Brengel, who was named the Midwest Conference Swimmer of the Week, also swam on the 200 medley relay team, which was fourth, and the 400 medley relay team, which placed fifth. Lawrence took fifth in the team standings.
Sam Laes
Wrestling
Sam Laes placed second at 184 pounds at the North Central Invitational on Jan. 17 and was named the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Wrestler of the Week. The junior from Ashwaubenon, Wis., opened with a pins of Knox's Calvin Zirkle in 1:45 in the quarterfinals and then topped Wheaton's Toby Boltz 3-2 in the semifinals. Boltz was ranked ninth in the last National Wrestling Coaches Association rankings. Laes then dropped a 10-6 decision in the title match to North Central's Gabe Youel, who is ranked second in the latest national rankings. Laes is now 13-2 on the season.
