INDIANAPOLIS – The UIndy swimming & diving team faced off in its first in-person home meet against Eastern Illinois University on Thursday. The Greyhounds took dual wins over the Panthers on both the men's and women's sides.
 
"We're trying to make the best out of the situation we are currently in with the pandemic, and I think today was a good step in that direction," said Associate Head Coach Brent Noble.
 
The Hounds did more than take the win over the Panthers, reaching several NCAA qualifying times.
 
"We had six national qualifying times in relays, as well as a school record and a ton of other school record just-misses. We did what we were trying to do."
 
RECORD SETTER
Gabriel Knaut became the first-ever Greyhound to go under 20 seconds in the 50 freestyle, setting a school record with a 19.98 to hit an NCAA B-cut time. The previous record of 20.00 was held by teammate and current senior Victor Antonon, who also qualified for nationals in the event this past weekend.
 
"Mentally I was very ready," Knaut said. "I spent the last two weeks focusing on my stroke, turns and starts and that worked very well today."
 
The Sorriso, Brazil native out-touched two fellow Greyhounds who had a tie finish for second. Diego Mas and Joao Silva had a photo finish as both put up a time of 20.31, good for a share of sixth in the program's top-10 list.
 
"The loan school record was Gabe. We've had a lot of guys who are close to that record and Gabe became the first guy to break through," Noble said.
 
Aside from the 50 Free, the redshirt junior contributed to a first-place finish in the 200 free relay as well as a second in the 400 free relay.
 
"In my mind, I knew I was ready for it," noted Knaut. "It feels great to start the year off with a 19."
 
EDGING THE COMPETITION
Katie McCoy had another great day for the Hounds, taking first in the 200 back with a stellar time of 1:59:06. Having also qualified for nationals over the weekend, the junior didn't hesitate to bring the heat during the meet at Ruth Lilly Fitness Center.
 
"She's a leader and a hard worker. She does it all," Noble said about the Boise State transfer. "She's someone to continue building around the core that we have."
 
McCoy also took firsts in the 200 and 400 medley relays, as well as the 400 free relay alongside fellow-standouts Johanna Buys and Marizel van Jaarsveld.
 
Buys took first in the 50 free with a 23.10 and the 100 Free with a 50.47. Van Jaarveld touched first in the 200 fly with a 2:00.29 and the 400 IM with a 4:16:44.
 
GOING FORWARD
"We have to rally from here," Noble stressed. "This can't be the high point of the season. Going up from where we are now, we're going to be in really good shape come February."