Milwaukee City Wire

The Milwaukee Panthers men's swimming and diving team began their season at IU Indy, competing against three conference teams over a two-day meet. The Panthers secured a win over Green Bay with a score of 188-107 but were defeated by IU Indy (248-89) and Cleveland State (223-114).

Head coach Kyle Clements commented on the early start to the season: "We have never started our season this early, and this was a fun way to kick it off," Clements said. "This meet provided us so much, it provided us a chance to get to know our new team members, it provided us insight of where our fitness level is, and it provides us with goals moving forward."

First-year Panther Sam Lorenz made an immediate impact by setting a school record in the 100 backstroke with a time of 46.15 seconds, surpassing last year's mark set by Victor Kostov. Lorenz also broke another school record as the lead-off swimmer in the 200 freestyle relay with a time of 19.72 seconds and won the 50 freestyle event.

Gunnar Seversen, who was named Horizon League Newcomer of the Year last season, finished second in both the 200 freestyle (1:38.44) and 500 freestyle (4:30.64).

Relay teams from Milwaukee had strong performances as well. The quartet of Lorenz, Aleksander Piljevic, Seversen, and Charlie House won the 400 freestyle relay with a time of 3:00.19. Another group—Lorenz, Alvin Valkki, Seversen, and House—finished second in the 200 medley relay (1:29.40), while Lorenz joined Seversen, Piljevic, and House for another second-place finish in the 200 freestyle relay (1:21.69).

Coach Clements concluded by saying: "Moving forward there is a lot of work to be done both in the pool and in the weight room, but was fun to see our full team together and racing."

The Panthers are scheduled to compete next at Klotsche Natatorium on Saturday, October 4 at noon during their Alumni & Intersquad meet.