CARBONDALE, Illinois, February 4. WITH its 137-106 win over Southern Illinois Saturday in Carbondale, the Western Kentucky University men's swimming and diving team put the finishing touches on its second-straight undefeated regular season.
The Hilltoppers' (9-0) winning streak now stands at 20, with their last loss coming by one point against Southwest Missouri State on Jan. 29, 2005.
"We knew this meet was going to be a challenge for us, and Southern Illinois could have very easily spoiled our perfect record," said head coach Bruce Marchionda. "But what a way to end a great regular season against a very good team. This will certainly give us the momentum we need heading into the conference championships."
WKU was on the winning side of five individual events, including two first-place finishes by Peyton Thomas in the 1- and 3-meter dives. With a 1:54.46 in the 200 Individual Medley, Brian Lewis claimed the win. Francis Gilmore (200 Back / 1:49.40) and Sean Penhale (1,000 Free / 9:18.54) were WKU's other two medalists. Penhale's time broke Karl Swanson's previous school record of 9:24.49, which stood for just over one year.
Lukasz Herbst had runner-up performances in the 100 (46.57) and 200 Free (1:40.35).
With the regular season complete, the Hilltoppers and Lady Toppers now look ahead to the Sun Belt Conference Championship, Feb. 15-17, in Nashville, Tenn.