SEASON RECAP: Ball State men's swim and dive

With another season finished, Ball State men’s swim and dive placed sixth in the Mid-American Conference Championships on March 4. Head swimming coach Bob Thomas said he will remember meets like the MAC championship.

“I would rather have a meet like this, then either getting blown out or blowing another team out,” Thomas said. “It was exciting and everybody was counted on.”

Before the MAC championships started, the Cardinals had a 3-1 record at home. This is the best home record since the 2010-2011 season. On Jan. 28 the Cardinals beat MAC rival Evansville. On Dec. 3, in the Eastern Michigan Invitational, the Cardinals placed third out of six teams.

Another senior class leaves the men’s swim and dive team. This senior class, which included Tanner Barton, Jacob Eckert, Austin Green, JD Midlleton, Mitch Prather and Bradley Ridge, has been “a nucleus for the team" by Thomas.

From this season, Middleton said he will remember the times he had with the team.

“It is definitely my favorite season by far with the experiences I had with the team,” he said.

For the team next year, Middleton said to have fun.

“Just enjoy your time with the team as much as you can and swim hard,” Middleton said.

Barton, who placed 12th in the 200-yard butterfly at the MAC Championships, also said he will remember the fun he had with the team.

“I will remember the training trip and being with the freshmen,” Barton said. “We had a really good group of freshmen. I hope that they have fun the rest of these three years.”

Barton was one of the team captains for this season. He said he wanted to thank his teammates for their support and encouragement.

“We have done a lot of work and we put it in so many hours in the pool and weight room, without being awarded scholarships or funding,” Barton said. “When we come here and place in the finals it is just a testament to us.”

Freshman Cobie Fritsch said the season was remarkable for him.

“I have learned so much from our seniors and the team,” Fritsch said. “Coming to Ball State I did not know what to expect, but this team has helped me with improving my swimming and social skills.”

Fritsch, who was injured for most of the season, still enjoyed being with the team, especially the seniors.

“I’m a very team-oriented person and I love the seniors so much,” Fritsch said. “I’m looking forward to the next year and hopefully a lot of success to come.”

This upcoming season, freshman Logan Ackley said he wants to work on his endurance for the 200-yard backstroke.

"“I want my last 50 to be faster, so I do not fall off like I did on Saturday,” Ackley said.

For next year, the Cardinals will be looking for returnees to step up. Thomas said he is not mandating any training for next year.

“I just hope they realize in order to do better next year, they have to start tomorrow,” Thomas said.

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