INDIANAPOLIS – The University of Indianapolis swimming & diving team kicked off their season with their annual intrasquad meet at Ruth Lilly Fitness Center on Saturday. On both the men's and women's side, the "Crimson" team took the win over the "Grey" squad, with the men of the Crimson team defeating the Grey, 692-664, and the Crimson women winning, 540 to 485.
 
"It is fun, it's relaxed, it's a chance to see what things we've got to work out," Head Coach Jason Hite said of the intrasquad event.
 
GOOD TO BE BACK
After having a hot streak of a season cut short in 2019-20, the Greyhounds welcomed wet hair and the smell of chlorine with open arms. 
 
"Just to have everyone back together – so much fun, so much good energy," said senior Grey team captain Marco Tasic. "Training-wise, we've been doing great, and to come race all together, you can't beat it. It feels great to be back."
 
Despite fan's not being permitted, the pool deck echoed with the roaring cheers from Greyhounds pushing their teammates on in each event.
 
"It's been six months since we've raced," Hite said, "and this intrasquad meet is all about fun. It's about just having the team going against each other in meet format instead of just practicing every day."
 
RETURNERS LEAD
Having set several school records in 2019-20, The Greyhound seniors didn't skip a beat, bringing intensity and leadership in and out of the water.
 
"We wanted to make sure that everyone was united and came together after not swimming for so long," Tasic added. "This Is the first time competing for most of the people on this team in eight months so we wanted to come back and swim fast."
 
Hite could not speak enough about the leadership that the returning classes brought to the meet.
 
"Last year was tough," Hite admitted, "but hopefully the seniors and juniors that were able to come back after losing their chance at Nationals are going to be able to make the most of being able to come back."
 
On the men's side, the returning Hounds were led by sophomore Jeron Thompson, who posted a win in the 100 free (46.82) for the Grey team and was a part of three winning relay teams (200 free, 400 free and 200 medley). Also part of those three winning relays was sophomore Joao Silva. He also took first in the 50 free with a time of 21.29.
 
On the women's side, junior Johanna Buys brought the heat, placing first year in the 100 free with a 53.26 while contributing to three relay wins (200 free, 400 free and 200 medley).
 
INSTANT IMPACT
Bringing in a hefty number of fresh faces to the squad added an abundance of talent to an already powerful Greyhound roster. "Instant impact" was the Hite used to describe the standout newcomers.
 
In one of the most heated men's races of the day, promising-freshman Landon Driggers took a close win for the Crimson team in the 200 IM with a 1:52.69. Driggers also touched first in the 200 backstroke with a time of 1:58.13.
 
Freshman Jackson VanWanzeele did more than impress by posting a 1:44.46 in the 200 free and earning second place in the 100 butterfly with a 50.80.
 
On the women's side, transfer Katie McCoy earned first place in the 200 IM with a 2:05.61, as well as posted a winning time in the 200 back.
 
MOVING FORWARD
"We did see some things we liked, and we saw a lot of things we need to work on," Hite said. "We need to continue working on speed, power and technique; getting stronger and better in the weight room and the pool.
 
"It's a long season, but our goal is winning February at conference and March at Nationals." 
 
UP NEXT
The Greyhounds will be back in Ruth Lilly Fitness Center on Saturday, Nov. 7 when they host GLVC-rival McKendree in the official season opener.