Milwaukee City Wire

The Milwaukee swimming and diving teams are set to compete against IU Indianapolis at Klotsche Natatorium on Saturday, October 26. This will be their first dual meet of the season, featuring 16 events for both men and women starting at 11:00 a.m.

This event marks the beginning of the Horizon League competition for Milwaukee. Last season, the women's team achieved a perfect 3-0 record in league play, while the men's team finished with a 1-2 record. The upcoming meet is also notable as it is the first official competition of the season at Klotsche Natatorium.

Reflecting on last year's encounter in Indianapolis, Milwaukee's women narrowly defeated IU Indianapolis with a score of 155.5-142.5, marking their third consecutive victory in this series and extending their all-time record to 7-1 against IU Indianapolis. However, the men's team was defeated by IU Indianapolis with a score of 227-71, leveling their all-time series to 4-4.

IU Indianapolis arrives at this matchup having already participated in four meets this season. Both their men's and women's teams boast an undefeated record of 3-0 (1-0 Horizon League), securing victories over Eastern Illinois, Southern Indiana, and Northern Kentucky. In their most recent outing at the Dan Ross Indiana Intercollegiates on October 12, both teams placed third.

Last year’s men's team from IU Indianapolis secured second place at the Horizon League Championships with an impressive regular-season finish of 12-1 and a conference record of 4-0. Key returning athletes include Sebastian Otero, Diver of the Meet and Horizon League Athlete of the Year; Nathan Rariden, Freshman of the Year; Damion Dennis, Swimming Coach of the Year; and Eric Barnes, Diving Coach of the Year.

The women's team from IU Indianapolis concluded last season with an overall record of 8-6 and went 3-1 in conference play before finishing third at league championships. They return Emmaleigh Zietlow, defending Horizon League Athlete of the Year and Swimmer of the Meet; along with Alaina Heyde who was named Diver of the Meet.

Milwaukee's previous competition took place on October 19 during which they excelled at the Wisconsin Showcase. The women's team dominated by winning fourteen out of sixteen events with notable performances from Gabrielle LePine and Erika Thomas among others. The men's team secured eight first-place finishes led by Charlie House and Gunnar Seversen.

Following these achievements at Wisconsin Showcase, Charlie House received recognition as Swimmer of the Week alongside Gabrielle LePine while Ben Stitgen was honored as Diver of Week within Horizon League – marking career-first awards for each athlete.

Looking ahead after hosting IU Indianapolis this weekend; Panthers plan trips to Illinois where they will face UIC on November 1 followed by Wheaton (Ill.) on November 2nd.