Raspopovich and Engel Compete 50 Free at USA Olympic Trials

July 02 | Women's Swimming & Diving

Omaha, Neb. – A pair of Akron swimmers, senior Hannah Raspopovich (Crown Point, Ind.) and freshman Ragen Engel (Springfield, Ohio) competed in the 50 meter freestyle at the USA Olympic trials, Saturday morning.

"I'm so proud of Ragen and Hannah. It's a huge accomplishment coming to Trials and competing against the best swimmers in the world," said head coach Brian Peresie. "My hat goes off to them."

With her qualifying time, Raspopovich began the day sitting 137^th overall before swimming the event in 26.46 improving 26 spots to 111^th overall. Engel finished her 50 meter sprint in a time of 26.74 putting her in 152^nd out of 178 competitors.

Raspopovich and Erin Seiler (Phoenxiville, Ohio) have both competed for the final time in their competitive careers at the Olympic trials. The seniors have had storied careers with the Zips helping the Akron program to three straight MAC Championships and a combined 12 individual MAC titles.

Engel will compete at the US Open in Minneapolis, Minn. in August along with fellow teammates Sadie Fazekas (Windsor, Ontatio), Laura Savariau (Saint-Hilaire-la-Palud, France), and Madison Myers (Copley, Ohio).

"All four qualifiers have made the Zips Nation proud. They have represented the Zips well on the national stage," said Peresie. "Erin and Hannah have now officially retired, although I hope to see them racing this fall at our Alumni Meet. Ragen and Madison will now be able to use this experience as they prepare for the US Open later this summer."