MUNCIE, Ind. — Ball State University’s swimming and diving teams paused their competitive meets this past Friday. The Cardinals will host their annual Alumni Meet, where Ball State alumni can square off in an atmosphere of fun and competitiveness.

More than 20 Ball State alumni were in attendance, and while these matches are just competitive fun matches, these exhibition matches give off a nostalgic feel to the meet as a whole. It also allows current athletes on the swim team to see where they stand against each other and witness swimmers before them up close, some even for the first time, including freshman swimmer AJ Friend. 

AJ received his second consecutive MVC “Freshman of the Week” award. Winning these awards consecutively has shown his impact on the team in just his first season. 

Friend briefly mentioned, “The hardest part of the transition from High School swim to college swim is trying to keep up with my diet and homework.” 

With added responsibility, AJ has proven to be a ripple effect of success on this team, including a critical diver, Porter Brovont. 

Porter has earned MVC “Diver of the Year. Despite gaining this award, it wasn’t necessarily an easy week. 

Porter mentioned, “I was sick earlier this week, and my teammates and coaches helped me get through that.” 

Not only did the work he put in contribute to him earning this award, but his teammates also played a pivotal role in uplifting him, for which he gives credit. Going back to team success, 

AJ Friend had high praise for his team in his first year, saying, “All of my team and coaches have done a good job helping me, and it makes me want to come here and give my all.” 

The team is uplifting each other and enjoying themselves in the process. The Cardinals Swimming and Diving team's next meet is against IU Indy on Oct. 8 in Indianapolis. 

Contact Xavier Harris with comments at xavier.harris@bsu.edu.

Share