The final home meet, and senior night, for the Ball State men’s swim and dive team is Feb. 4 at Lewellen Aquatic Center against Notre Dame.
Head swimming coach Bob Thomas said it has been great to be home this season.
“It is always nice to compete at home, where we do all of our training,” Thomas said.
For the meet against Notre Dame, Thomas wants to see his swimmers post the same times as Evansville.
“I also want to see them swim faster times,” said Thomas.
Cardinal seniors
1. Senior Austin Green (sprint events)
2. Senior Mitch Prather (breaststroke events)
3. Senior Bradley Ridge (butterfly events)
4. Senior JD Middleton (distance events)
5. Senior Tanner Barton (butterfly events)
6. Senior Jacob Eckert (Individual-Medley events)
This meet is also the seniors' last home meet at Lewellen Aquatic Center. Thomas said he will remember this class being a “nucleus of the team.”
“[The seniors] were key players as freshmen and they have been key players all the
For this meet, freshman Chase Jackson has been working on being quicker off the block for the 100-yard backstroke.
“I have been changing my start to be more aerodynamic through the water,” Jackson said.
During practices this week, Jackson has been improving his technique for the backstroke events.
“Coach has me doing a lot of great work with sprints and repetitive sprints in practice to allow me to a hold a fast speed
Freshman Jack Luddy was a little disappointed last weekend with his time. He said for this meet he hopes to improve his time in the 500-yard freestyle.
“Coach gave us some really hard workouts at practice and that is a big factor on how my times will be for this weekend,” Luddy said.
Tuesday's practice stood out to Luddy in preparation for the meet.
“We did a lactate set [in which we push ourselves to the limit],” he said. “We have been swimming some tough distance practices, which has helped me push my limits.”
Senior Mitch Prather is swimming in his last home meet for the team. Prather said he will remember this team's hard work and dedication.
“I will definitely feel the gratitude of being part of this historic program here,” Prather said.
For this meet, Prather is excited to see his friends and family come out to this meet.
“I want them to experience the environment one last time,” he said.
The meet starts at 1 p.m., with senior recognitions before the start of the meet.
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