In their first meet of 2026, Seton Hall men’s swimming and diving team made quite a splash, defeating the Wagner Seahawks 176-112 at Imperatore Natatorium.
Diving Highlights
Nick Graham dominated on the diving boards, winning both the one-meter and three-meter events with scores of 349.65 and 323.77. Fellow freshman, Henry Summers, also shone, achieving personal bests and finishing second in both events. Mason Case added to the team’s success by taking third on the one-meter board.
Swimming Showdowns
After starting strong in the relay, Clil Halevi showcased his skill in the 1000 freestyle, winning with a time of 9:38.74. Toma Adam continued the momentum by clinching the 200 freestyle just ahead of teammates Balint Marosi and Jack Callan. He also won the 100 freestyle, clocking in at 46.95 seconds.
The sophomore duo Kale and Kaedin Duong took center stage in the 100 backstroke, finishing first and second, with Kale narrowly beating Kaedin by 0.06 seconds at 52.11. Jake Karulf followed with a win in the 100 butterfly at 1:54.61, while Evan Wilson rounded out the sophomore strength by winning the 50 freestyle in 21.34 seconds.
Freshman Jaeger Ellerman also impressed, securing victories in both the 100 and 200 breaststrokes with times of 57.02 and 2:08.79, showcasing his talent early in his collegiate career.
In the final events, seniors Michael Klimaszewski and Kevin Cary ended their home meet with style. Klimaszewski won the 100 butterfly, finishing nearly five seconds ahead of the competition at 53.66 seconds. Cary, who had already dominated the 200 backstroke, sealed his legacy by winning the 200 IM in 1:51.08.
Looking Ahead
Next up for the Pirates is a meet against the Villanova Wildcats in Pennsylvania. This matchup will be crucial for maintaining their momentum this season.
Insights and Trends
Recent data shows that swimming participation among college athletes has remained steady, with many programs emphasizing both performance and academic success. This emphasis reflects changes in athletic departments nationwide aimed at developing well-rounded students. As the popularity of swimming grows, teams are tapping into technological advancements for training and strategy, ensuring they stay competitive.
Overall, Seton Hall’s strong performance in this meet is a promising sign as they move deeper into the season. It will be exciting to see how they build on this success in upcoming competitions.
