Underclassmen swimmers had a big impact on the results of BallState's meet against Miami (Ohio) on Saturday. Of the elevenindividual events, four were won by freshmen and three bysophomores. Freshman Adam Konopka played a pivotal role for theCardinals, winning the 200 IM and 200 back, and was a member of the400-medley relay's winning team.
Sophomores Kurtis Leer (100 and 200 free) and Jim Lullo (1000free) won their events, while Ritchie Caudill (200 IM, 200 breast)and Lullo (500 free) finished second. Senior Ryan Bounds alsofinished second in the 1000 free. The 400 free relay team,featuring Ian McIntosh, Jagen Arnold, Ryan Millard, and PaulWhitaker, also finished second.
For Miami, freshmen Paul Ricard and Griffin Marshall played abig part in the Redhawks victory, winning the 500 free and 200breast. Ricard was also a member of the 400 free relay's win.
Heading into the one-meter diving event, Ball State was incontrol, 62-29. But things turned in Miami's favor as they closedthe gap by finishing with the top three spots in that event. Miamialso swept the top three spots in the next event, the 200butterfly, and to paraphrase an old saying, that was the swim meet.From there, Miami took control of the remainder of the meet,winning four of the final five events, including taking three ofthe top four spots in the three-meter diving competition.
"They happened to be much stronger in the back half of themeet," coach Bob Thomas said, citing several events, includingdiving, 200 fly, and 100 free. "The guys did a nice job in theirindividual performances, but at the same time, if the other teamhas faster swimmers in the other events, there's not a whole lotyou can do.
"Miami has excellent divers," he said. "They have one of the topdivers in the conference. They are much stronger in diving then weare."
Thomas was especially pleased with the underclassmen.
"The underclassmen stepped up and did a remarkable job. (Adam)Konopka had a great meet. For a freshman coming in and winningthree events, he did a great job.
"Until the meet is over, it isn't over," Thomas continued. "Itwas nice being ahead early, but you can't let (that) affect you.Who's ahead in the meet at the end is what matters."
Miami's136-105 victory improved their record to 2-1 overall, 2-0in the MAC. Ball State now has an 0-1 record in both dual meets andagainst MAC teams.
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