EVANSVILLE, Ind.– University of Southern Indiana Men’s Swimming and Diving picked up the program’s first ever head-to-head victory over the University of Evansville on Saturday afternoon on the men’s side, 154-142.
The Screaming Eagles and Aces were tied at 130-130 with the 200 IM and 200 freestyle remaining in the rematch of the crosstown rivalry. Freshman Luke Rich gave the Eagles the advantage winning the 200 IM (1:58.73) by the narrow margin of 0.16 seconds.
Screaming Eagles Aquatic Center was on the edge of their seats as the winner would likely be determined by the 200 freestyle relay heat to conclude the meet. The veteran team of sophomore Sam Smith, sophomore Joey Smith, junior Gabriel Groves, and junior Caleb Davis clinched the meet with a blazing time (1:25.10).
Multiple other standout performances led the Eagles to the massive victory including Sam Smith’s record breaking 1000 freestyle performance (9:43.55). The sophomore snapped the previous record by nearly nine full seconds, etching his name into his third individual school best.
Another key USI heat victory included junior Jack Hannon‘s 200 freestyle performance (1:43.81) and freshman Justin Knauf‘s 200 butterfly (1:55.69) victory. Joey Smith scratched out a 50 freestyle (21.63) win by 0.05 seconds, while Rich’s stellar day continued with a breaststroke victory (2:10.99) victory.
Sophomore Nathan Deputy continued to shine brightest in front of the crosstown rival. The Evansville native executed difficult dives consistently, demolishing his own three-meter record (297.23 pts) and placing first. Junior Lane Pollock helped the diving squad sweep by winning the one-meter event (263.55 pts).
UP NEXT
USI will be back in action on Saturday, January 25, as the team celebrates senior day against Eastern Illinois University.
