MONTEVALLO, Ala. -- The Montevallo men's swim team opened the new year with a formidable foe in Delta State University. The Statesmen were ranked as high as fifth in the nation last season and looked just as good on Wednesday morning as they handed the Falcons their first loss in the New South Intercollegiate Swim Conference (NSISC) 181-77 at the SAC Natatorium. UM fell to 2-1 in head-to-head competition and 0-1 in the NSISC.
Before the meet got underway, the Falcons took a moment to honor senior swimmers
Simon Botton and
Leo Olaru in a unique ceremony. Instead of a scripted read of their career accomplishments, the senior pair shared their reflections of each other, poking some light-hearted fun and then an embrace between teammates.
After the ceremony, it wasn't much fun for the Falcons. DSU won nearly every event during the competition. Junior
Jacob Rubin provided one of the highlights of the meet for the Falcons, winning the 200 yard freestyle. He edged out AJ Williams of DSU by a fingernail, touching the wall with a time of 1:48.68. Williams was a close second at 1:48.70.
The Falcons also captured the 200 yard backstroke, taking the top two spots in the race. Junior
Thom Naccarato won the event with a time of 1:58.62, while teammate
Will Mahone was second at 1:59.59.
Complete Meet Results
Next up: The Falcons fly south to Pensacola to compete against West Florida, Ouachita Baptist, and Birmingham-Southern College.
