LSU senior swimmer Matt Coenen recently finished his career on a strong note.
Coenen took first place in the 200-meter breaststroke at the U.S. Spring National Championships at the Weyerhaeuser King Aquatic Center.
"I really didn't know what to think at first," Coenen said. "Then it hit me that I won when I went back to grab my stuff and saw several Louisiana swimmers. I am just happy to bring back a title to the state, especially for what everyone has gone through the past year."
Coenen, a native of Rayville, La., finished with a time of 2 minutes 19.36 seconds. He was followed by Jake Salaz of the Mount Hood Swim Team and Robert Yeager of the Team Charlotte Club.
"I think inspirational would be one word to sum it up," said assistant coach Morgan Bailey. "The one constant about Matt is that he has always been a consistent and hard worker and that paid off."
LSU coach Adam Schmitt said the win was big for the LSU program as well as Coenen.
"It was a great opportunity and a big deal for him and the program," Schmitt said. "It definitely shows to the country that the LSU program is heading in the right direction. We can certainly compete on the national level, and that is one our prime goals."
Coenen said winning the final 200-meter breaststroke event of his career made it even more special.
"It's been a tough four years," Coenen said. "And when I got out of the pool, I realized that would be the last time I swam a 200 breaststroke in my career. It is a great feeling to go out like that."
