Ball State's men's swimming and diving squad faces a daunting task this weekend.
Since 1983, the Cardinals' opponent, Eastern Michigan, has won a total 23 Mid-American Conference championships, including an amazing 14-year run in which the conference crown was worn by the Eagles.
Only 1997 and 1999 did not belong to Eastern. Since then, it has reclaimed the throne the past four years. During that time, Ball State has finished runner-up twice.
"A lot of credit has to be given to the coach," head coach Bob Thomas said. "A lot of energy and time has to have been put in, and it's paid off."
This season, the Eagles boast a 4-3 record overall and 1-0 record in the MAC. They are coming off a loss to Northwestern on Jan. 17. Doug Fleming (100-yard freestyle), Ryan Cowmeadow (1-meter diving), and the 400-yard freestyle relay team led the way, supplying their three wins. The Eagles also came away with six second-place efforts and eight third-places.
Ball State enters the weekend having crushed Valparaiso and Buffalo last weekend. The Cardinals swam away at the beginning of both meets and finished with 29 best times for the season.
The Cardinals won 22 of 26 events during the weekend. The Cardinals crushed the Bulls, 183-60. Thomas attributed this to the Bulls possibly not getting proper rest during the week and the long drive they had to endure.
Thomas, however, won't go as far to say this weekend's matchup could be a preview of who will compete for the MAC championship.
"I think in a championship meet, you bring the best people, and that creates a whole different environment," Thomas said.
Thomas hopes to see his team post competitive times against Eastern. He said swimming at their pool will be an advantage in the long run -- MAC championships will be held at Eastern this season.
The sprinting and middle distance events should be good matchups, Thomas said, but he thinks Eastern is stronger in the breast and diving events.
"I just hope everybody steps up to the competition and does the best they can," Thomas said.
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