A win by junior Kyle O'Keefe in the 200 breaststroke, along with a second place finish by freshman Robert Dent sealed a 121.5-119.5 victory over Wittenberg Friday evening in Springfield, Ohio. The victory moves the Little Giants to 6-0 in dual meets this year.
O'Keefe won the race with a time of 2:20.51, while Dent touched in 2:20.79 to score 13 team points for the Little Giants. It helped push Wabash over the top when the Tigers took the final relay of the night to close the gap to two points.
The Little Giants opened the meet with a sweep of the top two places in the 400 medley relay. Tony Caldwell, O'Keefe, Adam Petro, and Jordon Blackwell won with a time of 3:43.14, while teammates Pat Laughlin, Jordan Extine, Kyle Weaver, and Philip Towne were second (3:47:15).
Weaver took the top spot in the 50 free (22.07), edging out Towne in second place (23.21).
Petro added a victory in the 200 butterfly (1:58.16). Robert Fozkos was second (2:08.04). Laughling won the 200 backstroke (2:04.36), but it was Peter Hewitt's second place finish that proved to be a difference-making result. The freshman took second with a come-from-behind effort to touch in 2:06.49 for an extra team point for the Little Giants.
"Tonight Wittenberg swam unbelievably well," Wabash head coach Peter Casares said. "I was amazed with the amount of heart and fight they showed. They showed us how focus and passion can overcome talent and depth. It was a great meet to be a part of, and a great meet for us to learn from.
"I'm proud of the team's first semester. These guys race well and push each other in practice and meets. They've found ways to win each meet --- and that is a great sign of their competitiveness. We have some huge challenges ahead, but if we continue to act responsibly, we will be able to step up to those challenges and live those dreams"
The Little Giants' next challenge will be the 2006 Wabash Invitational Friday and Saturday at the Class of 1950 Natatorium.