Southern Illinois 112, McKendree 182
Results
LEBANON, Ill. — The Southern Illinois swimming and diving program opened the 2019-20 season against McKendree Friday afternoon at the McKendree Metro Rec Plex. The women's team came out on top 203-92, while the men's team lost by a margin of 182-112.
Southern won 18 events and finished second in an additional 18 events. The Salukis were led by senior Laura Carver on the women's side, as she picked up three event wins. Freshman swimmer Adam Cernek won three events to lead the Saluki men. Six Salukis captured two or more wins in the season-opening meet.
"This was my first opportunity to see them compete in outside competition," head coach Geoff Hanson said. "I was proud of how we used our depth and how the newcomers showed up and raced. The rust was there for a lot of the swimmers because some had not been in real competition since last season, but every time they dove into the pool, they showed adjustments and improved."
Missouri State // 2nd at Show-Me Showdown
Results
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The Missouri State men's and women's swimming and diving each claimed a second-place team finish among 10 in-state schools Friday at the Show-Me Showdown in the Mizzou Aquatic Center.
MSU finished second in the team standings in men's and women's for the third consecutive year, following host and frontrunner Missouri. The men collected 413 points while the women amassed 387.5 throughout the annual event.
"I am pleased with our first block of training leading into today's meet," said head coach Dave Collins. "It's always fun to watch our newcomers compete for the first time and nice to see such a large support group present at the event."
Reigning freshman of the year pair Pawel Krawczyk and Alex Thorson produced stellar performances in the 500 freestyle, with Krawczyk placing third (4:35.57) and Thorson taking fourth (5:05.54) in the long-distance event. The duo each tacked on an additional top-10 finish in the 200 freestyle.
"I thought the team did really well for our first meet," said Thorson. "There was a lot of support present, and I am excited for the upcoming season."
Newcomers made a splash in the season-opener, with Conner Funke, Michael Hampel, and Arthur Cury each providing the Bears with a top-10 finish. Funke and Hampel tied for fourth in the 100 breaststroke, touching the wall at an identical 57.08 mark. Arthur Cury slipped in another fourth-place spot for the Bears in the 100 free, earning a time of 46.10.
"A lot of positives to take away from the meet," said Michael Hampel. "The energy from the first event to the last event was incredible and overall a positive learning experience for the entire team."
The Bears saw key contributions from their returning class, as All-MVC selection Anna Millerturned in two top-10 efforts in the 50 and 100 free. Seniors Antonio Thomas and Samuel Sennhighlighted added key points for the Bears, with Thomas placing fourth in the 500 free (4:36.24) and Senn tallying sixth in the 100 free (46.63).
MSU impressed in the relays as well, earning at least a top-five spot in three team events.
Diving saw success with Ashley Yarbrough, Michael Claunch, Dayana Popa, John David Spence, and Trevor Fischer each having a top-five placement on the 1-meter and 3-meter boards.
"This meet is fun because we get to show off the dives we have been working on throughout the summer," said Popa. "The season-opening meet always gets me excited for the rest of the season."
The Bears will return to action next weekend with the women facing Kansas and the men taking on South Dakota in Lawrence, Kan. on Friday, Oct. 11 – Saturday, Oct. 12.
