The University of Southern Indiana Swimming and Diving team completed their first men’s and women’s sweep in program history on Friday night. USI traveled to Eastern Illinois University to take on the Summit League rival in a swimming meet only.
The women won by a score of 149-109, while the men also found their groove winning 168-93.
The team continues to defy the odds as both squads were picked to finish last in the Summit League Preseason Coaches’ Poll under EIU. USI hopes to use the emphatic victories as stepping stones to making a jump in the Summit League Championships this February.
Men
The men have had a back-and-forth battle with EIU, going 1-2 against the Panthers last season. The Screaming Eagles displayed one of the best meets of the year, demolishing the Panthers by 75. USI had eight different swimmers who contributed to first-place heats, taking 11 of 14 races.
The 200 yard medley relay featuring freshman Cole Baker (Springville, Tennessee), sophomore Garrett Crist (Bargersville, Indiana), freshman Demarkus Darensbourg (Overland Park, Kansas), and freshman Sam Smith (Trafalgar, Indiana) kickstarted the meet for the Eagles with a blazing time (1:35.01).
Smith continued the tear winning the 1000 yard freestyle (10:16.29) and the 200 yard butterfly (2:00.56). Crist dominated winning every event including the 100 yard (53.33) and the 200 yard backstroke events (1:59.65).
Sophomore Caleb Davis (Spring, Texas) won a nail-bitter in the 100 yard breaststroke (1:00.20). Next, Baker dazzled in the 50 yard freestyle (21.33) and the 100 yard butterfly (52.71).
Sophomore Caleb Beaven (Newburgh, Indiana) won his first heat of the year in the 200 yard breaststroke (2:16.11). Another clutch performance goes to sophomore Jack Hannon (Lowell, Indiana) in the 500 yard freestyle (5:00.50).
To close the door, sophomore Gabriel Groves (New Carlisle, Indiana), Baker, Crist, and Smith won the 200 yard freestyle relay (1:26.25).
Other Top Men’s Results
200 Yard Freestyle: Hannon (1:48.29)
100 Yard Backstroke: Freshman Camden Richardson (Spring Hill, Tennessee) (54.32)
200 Yard Backstroke: Richardson (2:00.43)
200 Yard Breaststroke: Davis (2:16.67)
500 Freestyle: Freshman Eli Host (Nicholasville, Kentucky) (5:02.59)
Up Next for the Eagles:
USI Swimming and Diving returns to campus hosting Rose-Hulman University for senior night at the USI Aquatic Center. The meet will take place next Saturday at 1 p.m.
