WHITTER, CA (03/25/2011)(readMedia)-- Whittier College Sophomore Erin Bartholomew took to the water on Wednesday morning for her first competition at the 2011 Division III Swimming & Diving National Championships.
The Midlothian, Va native finished 24th in the 500 Free while making her debut at the Allan Jones Aquatic Center at the University of Tennessee. Bartholomew was at a 1:58.70 through 200 Meters which set a new school record in the 200 Free.
Bartholomew proved herself as one of the top swimmers in the highly competitive Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference by winning three individual conference titles at the 2011 SCIAC Championships.
"Qualifying for nationals is really exciting," said Bartholomew. "It is very rewarding to work hard during the season and have to opportunity to participate in a national competition."
At the SCIAC Championships, Bartholomew swam a 5:02.56 to win the SCIAC title and set the new bench mark for Whittier swimmers. In all, Bartholomew has totaled 11 schools records which includes seven individual marks.
Bartholomew will take the next two days off before returning to the water for the mile swim on Saturday morning.
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Founded by Quakers in 1887, Whittier College is an independent, four-year college offering a traditional liberal arts program integrated with both professional and pre-professional courses of study. With an emphasis on diversity, community, and curricular innovation, the College's primary mission is to endow students with the education, skills, and values appropriate for global leadership and service. Whittier College is a designated Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI).