ROCHESTER, Michigan – The Cleveland State swimming and diving team traveled up to Michigan for a meet against Oakland University on Friday evening, marking the team's second meet this season. The men's team suffered a 175-86 loss, while the women's team fell 197-59.
"The final score may not show this, but it was incredible," said head coach Hannah Burandt. "Truly, I'm so proud of my athletes; they're amazing. Someone reading this may not get that, but they aren't privy to our whole story. What this team has done, and is doing, is admirable. It's just really cool to see this team continue to grow."
Junior Griffin Manning placed first in the 200-yard breaststroke, with an overall time of 2:07.07, in addition to second in the 100-yard breaststroke, finishing at 55:05. Fellow Viking, Blake Fry, finished right behind Griffin in the 200-yard breaststroke pacing 2:06.56.
Manning was part of Cleveland State's second-place 200-yard medley relay, along with Dominik Niedzialek, Bob Fick and Colin Martin. The four combined for an overall time of 1:31.78.
Martin took first place in the 50-yard freestyle (20.78), while Fry set a lifetime best time of 4:07.75 in the 400-yard IM.
Freshman Jake Taulbee competed in the 1000-yard freestyle, finishing on the heels of Cleveland State sophomore Spencer Tussing, in addition to the 200-yard backstroke and 400-yard IM.
Kenny Thomas, who head coach Hannah Burandt dubbed "a jack of all trades" swam in the 200-yard medley, 100-yard backstroke, 100-yard freestyle and 200-yard freestyle relay.
"We really built a phenomenal base," said Burandt. "We have developed a deep tradition, culture and fundamentals of family within our program. We care about each other and we put each other first. I love coaching this team and I'm thrilled we had the opportunity to compete today."
On the women's side, Lexie Kostelnik secured the top spot in the 1000-yard freestyle (10:35.80) and 500-yard freestyle (5:11.79). The senior shaved off 12 seconds in her 1000-yard freestyle time from her first meet against Notre Dame College (10:47.21).
Reigning Horizon League Women's Swimmer of the Week Rachel Contich placed third in the 200-yard freestyle (1:54.95), in addition to the 100-yard free (53.77). The sophomore was also part of Cleveland State's third place 200 freestyle relay, alongside Caroline Hughes, Irena Weclawiak and Katherine Jerry.
Ana Sousa finished right behind Contich in the 200 freestyle with a time of 1:56.39, narrowly beating Oakland's Ronja Rihinen (1:56.63).
Hayley Rupp was the Vikings' top finisher in the 200-yard butterfly with a time of 2:16.37.
Sule van der Merwe notched a third-place finish in the 100 backstroke, the highest Viking in that event. The senior was the Green and White's top finisher in the 400-yard IM, racing alongside Abbie Ramey.
"Our team is embracing the process," Burandt said. "They trust the process and are beginning to see real trust and action. Watching them coach each other up and be engaged with one another is an incredible experience for me as a coach."
Cleveland State will announce all scheduling updates as they become available.
