SOUTH BEND, Ind.-  The Cleveland State men's swimming and diving team competed at the Dennis Stark Relays on Friday night at the University of Notre Dame.

The Vikings faced top tier competition and competed well in the water, with each event being a relay, it was a chance for the team to see what they had in some different events.  Assistant Coach Kevien Rapien was pleased with what he saw.

"Overall, the meet went very well.  The team is on track, as well as training, and looking forward to the dual meet season," said Rapien following the meet.

Rapien spoke about the expectations moving forward saying, "We will be preparing the same  for every dual meet.  This meet was about friendship and working together."

The effort and training led to a fourth place finish.  Senior, Alex Lewis led the way in the 200 freestyle relay, 400 medley relay, 3x 100 butterfly, the 200 medley relay, and the 400 freestyle relay.  Two freshmen, Declan McLaughlin and Joshua Nordike, had solid showings.  McLaughlin swam the 4x 100 medley relay, 3x 100 breastroke relay, 4x 100 individual medley relay, and the 200 medley relay.  He would have his best time at in the 3x 100 breast relay by a half of a second.  Nordike was another key piece at the relays.  He swam in the 200 freestyle relay, 3x 100 butterfly, the 200 medley relay, and the 400 freestyle relay.  Coach Rapien feels McLaughlin can be a key contributor for the Vikings and also expects a lot from the freshman class throughout the season.

" Declan had his best time in the 100 breast by a half a second with a time of 59.59.  We have freshman guys stepping up." 

"I am looking forward to them being an important part of the program.  I look forward to them being a big part and having them be top guys in the events," Rapien added.

The Vikings men's swimming and diving team will be back in the pool on Saturday (Oct. 26) at 12:00 p.m. against Green Bay, to begin dual meet and conference play.