“It means a lot,” said Kibler. “I\u2019ve wanted to be an individual national champion since I started my collegiate career. Always chasing the next goal. I definitely wanted to be a 1:29, join that elite club. I think I swam that race from a pretty tactical position to secure a win. If I went out a little harder, I think I could have gone a 1:29, but I had to do what I did to secure a win for Texas\u2026 I wanted it a lot last year, so coming back this year, it was pretty special.”<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Kibler arrived at Texas from the powerhouse scholastic program of Carmel High, and he is now his alma mater’s first individual NCAA champion. Throughout his days as a Longhorn, Kibler has done a little bit of everything for the program, excelling from the 50 freestyle up to the 500 free. He even provided some butterfly support at times. But the 200 freestyle has always been his trademark event, and he can now proclaim himself an NCAA titlist in the event.<\/p>\n

At the midway point, Kibler trailed only House and LSU\u2019s Brooks Curry<\/strong>, but he had overtaken those foes by the 150-yard mark and continued to pull away over the last 50 yards. Kibler put together a back half of 46.24, which was the fastest in the final, .02 quicker than what Sates managed. Given Sates\u2019 closing ability, it was a tremendous effort from Kibler, who represented the United States in relay duty at last summer\u2019s Olympic Games in Tokyo.<\/p>\n

It hasn’t been an easy season for the senior, as he dealt with a non-COVID illness and crashed his longboard during an accident that required stitches. Because of inconsistent time in the pool during the first semester, Kibler did not have a taper meet prior to the NCAA Champs.<\/p>\n

Kibler and Sates first went head-to-head in the event on the opening night of competition, when both athletes led off in the 800 freestyle relay. Kibler got the best of that matchup, as his mark of 1:30.54 bettered the 1:30.78 of Sates and jumpstarted Texas to a title. This time around, House nudged his way between them, having delivered an improved performance over the 1:31.01 he supplied in the relay.<\/p>\n

Simply advancing to the final of the 200 freestyle was a chore, as 1:32.00 was required for a top-eight showing during prelims. While Kibler secured the top seed following a morning performance of 1:30.91, Sates wasn\u2019t far behind after a swim of 1:31.11.<\/p>\n

With Texas trailing Cal by 7.5 points heading into the last day of action, Kibler will be called on to deliver again in the 100 freestyle. The way Kibler is swimming, he will be a leading contender in the event. In addition to his victory in the 200 freestyle, Kibler advanced to the final in the 50 free, a personal best of 18.60 posted in the prelims.<\/p>\n

“I just wanted to enjoy it, remind myself that it\u2019s not so scary,” Kibler said. “I like to think of the 200 free as my baby and I work hard for it.”<\/p>\n