MUNCIE, Ind. – The Ball State men’s swimming and diving team is heading to Chicago on October 24. They’ll compete against UIC at the Flames Natatorium, marking the start of their dual meet season at 5 p.m. ET.
The Cardinals recently finished third at the Dan Ross Indiana Intercollegiates. Freshman George Patterson and senior Jacob Siewers stood out, each taking first place in freestyle events. They teamed up with Benjamin Clarkston and AJ Friend to win the 200 freestyle relay with a time of 1:21.90, currently the best in the Missouri Valley Conference.
Last year, the Cardinals faced UIC and lost by just two points, 156.5-143.5. Siewers and Friend had strong performances then, winning multiple events. Siewers excelled in the 100 freestyle, while Friend secured victory in the 50 freestyle and 100 butterfly.
In this season’s rankings, Ball State has 11 athletes positioned to score in their events, according to CollegeSwimming.com. Here’s a quick overview of their top placements:
- 200 Freestyle: George Patterson – 1st (1:38.09)
- 100 Butterfly: AJ Friend – 5th (49.09)
- 100 Breaststroke: Aidan Biddle – 1st (54.66)
From the diving boards, senior Porter Brovont leads the team on both the 1M and 3M boards, with scores of 276.95 and 283.60, respectively.
Diving is crucial for any competitive swimming team. According to the NCAA, achieving qualifying marks of 300 on 1M and 320 on 3M is essential for postseason opportunities. Brovont’s performances are closely watched as he approaches these benchmarks.
In recent events, swimming and diving teams have gained attention on social media, with fans expressing excitement for the new season. Engaging posts and relays showing impressive times have sparked conversations among followers, emphasizing community support for athletes.
This season, Ball State plans to build on last year’s close call. With promising talent and strong teamwork, they’re aiming for significant improvements in their performance. The meets ahead will be key not just for individual growth but for highlighting the Cardinals’ potential in the conference.
