The University of Cincinnati's swimming and diving teams showcased their talents on the third day of the Big 12 Championships at the Greensboro Aquatic Center. With the competition heating up, the Bearcats made significant strides in both individual and relay events.
The day kicked off with prelims at 10 a.m., featuring a lineup of challenging events such as the 100-yard butterfly, 400-yard IM, 200-yard freestyle, and the diving events. The Bearcats had a strong showing, with five athletes advancing to the A and B finals, and nine making it to the C finals, setting the stage for an exciting evening.
The standout performance of the night came from the women's 400-yard medley relay team. Ellie Schrank, Joleigh Crye, Kate Mardis, and Taira Vroom put together a remarkable swim, clocking in at 3:34.21. Their synergy and speed were a highlight, demonstrating the depth and strength of the Bearcats' squad.
Individually, sophomore Kate Mardis and junior Libby Michel made waves with their impressive fifth-place finishes. Mardis, competing in the 100-yard butterfly, posted a time of 53.37, while Michel delivered a strong performance in the 400-yard IM, finishing in 4:17.55.
Adding to the evening's achievements, Joleigh Crye and Taira Vroom each secured eighth-place finishes. Crye's time of 53.78 in the 100-yard butterfly and Vroom's 1:47.89 in the 200-yard freestyle underscored their competitive edge and determination.
On the men's side, junior Kyle Bumgardner stood out by clinching eighth place in the 400-yard IM with a time of 3:50.56. His performance was a testament to his hard work and resilience, marking a significant achievement for the Bearcats.
As the championships continue, the University of Cincinnati's swimmers and divers are proving themselves to be formidable contenders, bringing both skill and spirit to the pool. With more events on the horizon, the Bearcats are poised to make even more waves.