The Ball State men's and women's swimming and diving teams began their seasons with wins against Evansville on Friday night.
The men won 181-115, and head coach Bob Thomas was pleasantly surprised by his young team's performance.
"We got challenged, and we rose to the challenge," Thomas said. "We have guys who like to compete."
The Cardinals had some turnover from last season, causing new team members needing to be leaders in various events. Thomas was especially happy with how the new leaders responded.
"They are coming along but there are a lot of demands on them," Thomas said. "They have no luxury of sitting back and learning the ropes…but they are gaining a lot of experience."
He also highlighted two key performances in the sprint and distance freestyle events, which were two events in flux for the Cardinals.
"[Mark] Golden had a great swim in the 1000, but it was nowhere near what he was capable of," Thomas said. "Casey Schroeder absolutely lit it up in the 50 free; he wasn't taking ‘no' from anybody."
Schroeder also won the 100 yard free, and the men's team picked up victories in the 200-yard medley relay, 100-yard backstroke, 100- and 200-yard breaststroke, 100- and 200-yard fly and 200-yard individual medley.
The women's team, led by head coach Laura Seibold-Caudill, won 195-103.
Siebold-Caudill said after the meet that her team performed so well that the coaching staff had trouble singling out just two or three outstanding performances.
"So many of our swimmers did well, and we had a lot of personal best times," Seibold-Caudill said. "To start with success adds a real boost. We're more improved this year and that hard work is showing."
Seibold-Caudill mentioned freshmen Emily Wisolek , senior Katie Bylsma and senior Maria Gramelspacher as the team's swimmers of the meet.
Wisolek won the 200-yard freestyle and backstroke, Bylsma won both the 50- and 100-yard free and Gramelspacher won the 100- and 200-yard fly.
Other events won on the women's side were the 200 individual medley, the 200 medley relay, 100 backstroke, 100 breaststroke, the one-meter diving competition, and 500 free.
Both teams are back in action Saturday morning at 9 a.m. in Lewellen Aquatic Center for the Ball State Relay Invitational.
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