Six University of Idaho swimmers placed in the top 10 among 119 female participants at the Swim Across America two-mile race in Seattle on Sept. 8.

Sophomore Kirah Monks won the women’s event with a time of 43:52 while junior Megan Venlos (44:36) and freshman Emily Renzini (46:04) placed third and fourth respectively.  Senior Meaghan McCloskey, junior Kori Ungaretti and sophomore Rachel Peterson were the other top-ten finishers.  This group ranked in the top 35 overall among the 205 men and women who participated.         

Swim Across America is an event that raises money for cancer treatment and research through open-water races around the country.  In addition to their success in the water, the Vandals were able to raise over $1,500 dollars for cancer research. 

Head Coach Mark Sowa said he was proud of his team for their commitment to a great cause.

 “Today was awesome,” Sowa said.  “We constantly remind ourselves that being a Vandal is more than just being a great athlete.  It's about being part of something bigger than yourself.  This disease will touch all of us at some point in our lives.  For these athletes to do what they love, for the people they love, is absolutely inspiring.”