The Ball State men's swimming and diving team hits the road Saturday for a conference showdown with rival Miami (Ohio). Miami is coming off a victory last weekend against Buffalo, which improved their record to 1-1 overall, 1-0 in MAC meets.
Ball State enters the weekend fresh from their off-week. Two weekends ago, they finished second at the Indiana Intercollegiate, behind only Purdue. This will be their first dual meet of the season, as well as their first competition with a MAC opponent. In the pre-season polls, Miami was picked to finish third in the MAC, only one spot behind the Cardinals.
"Miami has got the upper hand on us," coach Bob Thomas said. "What it's going to come down to is our upperclassmen stepping up. They're capable of beating Miami. It's just a matter of, 'can we do it this weekend?'
"We're anxious to compete. If anything, the weekend of non-competition makes them a little bit hungrier," Thomas said.
Miami has a deep lineup that kept them in their season-opening meet against Cleveland State before falling, 136-107. The Redhawks only won four events, but were led by two freshmen, Paul Ricard (500 free), and Griffin Marshall (1000 breast).
Last weekend, the Redhawks bounced back with a 135-107 win over Buffalo. Senior Andrew Keefe led the way, winning the 100 and 200 free. He also joined teammates Ricard, Justin Marcy, and John Grubb for a victory in the 400 freestyle relays. For his performance, Keefe was named MAC Swimmer of the Week this week.
Against Buffalo, Ricard once again took the 500 free, and Marshall posted a victory in the 200 breast.
Diving has proven to be another strength for the Redhawks, as Zach Niehaus has led the way by winning the one- and three-meter diving events against Buffalo. He also finished second in the one-meter event against Cleveland State. Against the Vikings, Miami's divers finished second through fourth in both the one- and three-meter diving events.
"I'd like to see our freshman continue to show positive signs of getting faster in their events. With our returning swimmers, I want to see them step up and lead the way, because this will be new to the freshman," Thomas said.
"The home team has the advantage (because of the traveling distance). When you can pull off a win on the road, it's a big win," Thomas said.
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