INDIANAPOLIS – Members of the UIndy swimming & diving program got a special opportunity this week, competing at the prestigious Toyota U.S. Open Friday and Saturday. Racing some of the nation's fastest competition at the world-class IU Natatorium in downtown Indianapolis, 13 Greyhounds earned the chance to compete, with nearly all hitting NCAA Division II time standards.
 
With the annual House of Champions meet canceled – perennially the fastest fall meet for the Hounds, the U.S Open afforded a much-needed opportunity to make those coveted NCAA cuts. The pool featured a 50-meter setup, differing from the more-familiar 25-yard configuration at most collegiate venues.
 
"We are beyond thankful to have the opportunity to compete at the U.S. Open at the IU Natatorium," said head coach Jason Hite. "Our crew of 13 student-athletes made the most of the opportunity; the 'Nat' is one of the fastest pools in the world and our times reflected that. We feel like we posted times that should get three women and at least five men qualified for NCAA DII Nationals."
 
Sophomore Andras Tiszai recorded perhaps the fastest swim of the meet for UIndy, hanging an automatic-qualifying time of 2:02.29 in the men's 200-meter backstroke. For reference, that pace converts to a 1:43.82 in SCY, which would have set a new school record.
 
Junior-transfer Katie McCoy led the way for the women with solid B times in three separate events, cramming in all three swims on Friday. The new Greyhound earned top-12 finishes in the 100 back, 100 fly and 200 IM, compiling times that potentially put her in the NCAA DII Championship field for all three.
 
Senior Marizel van Jaarsveld all but punched her ticket to Nationals as well, placing 10th in the 200 IM with an LCM time of 2:19.70. As did Mia Krstevska with her 200 back time of 2:18.17, good for sixth place.
 
The Hounds combined for three B-cuts in the men's 50-meter free, highlighted by top-eight finishes by Victor Antonon (23.23) and Diego Mas (23.28).
 
UIndy's record holder in the men's 100-yard butterfly, Kael Yorke (pictured), put up a comparable time in 100-meter fly, as his solid B-cut of 54.60 was good for seventh place.
 
Freshman and backstroke-phenom Landon Driggers pulled off a successful double, hitting B-cut standards in both the 100 and 200 back. Prior to his appearance at the U.S. Open, the Gilbert, Ariz., native recently became the first student-athlete in program history to qualify for the Olympic Trials.
 
Matt Bond just beat out a pair of B-cut times, with his marks coming in the 100 and 200 breaststroke. Jeron Thompson did the same in the 100 free, as did Joao Silva in the 50.
 
Anahi Schreuders (100 breast) and Kas McIntire (1500 free) also competed.