The world of WIAC swimming appears to have gotten two major transfers moving into this Spring. UW-Eau Claire has added one female athlete, Bella Smits, and UW-La Crosse has picked up one male athlete, Alec Carlson.
Bella Smits (UW-Eau Claire)
Freshman Bella Smits transfers into Eau Claire from University of Nebraska, Omaha. Smits will make an immediate impact in the freestyle sprint events. Her best times in the 50 free (23.20) and 100 freestyle (50.40) would put her in the top 8 across all of Division 3 current times. Smits would also be at the top of Eau Claire’s roster in those events with those times. Eau Claire’s relays will also receive an immediate boost from her addition. Overall great pickup and could help Eau Claire make a run at the WIAC title come conference.
Alec Carlson (UW-La Crosse)
Alec Carlson comes onto La Crosse from Denison University. Primarily a backstroker, Carlson brings a 51-second 100 backstroke and a 1:49.67 200 backstroke to La Crosse’s roster. That 100 backstroke would have been good enough to place fifth at the WIAC Championship and his 200 backstroke time would have earned him the WIAC title in 2017. Carlson’s addition adds some firepower to La Crosse’s backstroke events, as he joins a squad that already boasts considerable depth in the 100 back and looks to become the WIAC champion in the 200 backstroke.
Carlson made his debut at the Luther College Sprint Invitational last weekend. He swam 24.95 to win the 50 backstroke and placed 2nd in the 100 backstroke in 53.50 – behind his teammate Hans Hover. He also split 21.20 on the team’s 200 free relay and 24.94 on the team’s 200 medley relay.
