The men’s swim team took on the New Jersey Institute of Technology for its last dual meet of the season on Saturday. The Leopards dropped the contest 168-123 to the Highlanders.
Saturday’s meet marked the third competition for the team within a week’s span after returning from a month-long interim.
“It’s been intense,” junior Landon Orth said. “It’s a lot of hard work, but it’s worth it. It’s clearly paying off and the team’s looking fast.”
Orth splashed the competition out of the water with a win in the 3-meter dive (292.20), as well as a third-place finish in the 1-meter dive (276.83). Senior Peter Curtis took home the win in the 1-meter dive (282.38), as he, Orth and junior Trey Telleen dominated the top three in both diving events.
“I think overall this year, everyone has been pushing each other to get faster or score higher,” Curtis said.
Junior Alexander Riehl won gold in the 50-yard freestyle (20.90). Classmate Alexander Zoldan claimed first in the 200-yard individual medley (2:01.34), and freshman Gregory Yukhvid sealed the victory in the 50-yard freestyle (46.82).
Freshman Justin Tucker set a pool and school record in the 500-yard freestyle, capturing the win (4:32.18). Tucker also managed a second-place finish in the 200-yard butterfly (1:52.58).
“Justin Tucker is an animal,” Curtis said. “He’s swimming his heart out.”
Yukhvid, sophomore Charles Derivaux, freshman Charlie Moon and freshman Augustus Sefcik were victorious in the 200-yard freestyle relay (1:26.69), with all three Leopard teams besting the Highlanders.
Select Leopards will return to the pool in the Navy Invite on Saturday for their last competition before Patriot League Championships.
“We’ve broken so many records, and everyone’s swimming fast, everyone’s getting good diving scores,” Orth said. “I couldn’t be prouder of all of us.”