The Drury men’s swimming/diving team improved to 3-0 in dual meet action today with a convincing 111.5-63.5 win over the Indians from the University of Louisiana-Monroe. The Drury women improved their dual meet record to 1-2 with their first victory on the season as the clipped the Indians. 136-94. The Panthers led virtually the whole way on both sides with the men taking 8 of 11 swimming events and the women winning all 11 swimming events. The men’s squad was led once again by Jakub Jiracek (junior from the Czech Republic) who won the 400 IM and 200 breaststroke. Other outstanding performances were turned in by Topher Rowenhorst (junior from Broken Arrow, Okla.) who won the 50 free in a time of 21.85. Also Ismael Ortiz (freshman Panama City, Panama) won the 100 free in a time 46.35.

On the women’s side, the Panthers were led by Natalie Cordoza (sophomore from Whittier, Calf.) who was vicorious in the 200 free (1:55.80) and the 200 fly (2:1.33) and Cara Fadel (sophomore, from Boise, Idaho) who won the 1000 free (10:44.18) and 200 back (2:07.83).

Today’s meet came just hours after both teams returned from their training trip to Hawaii. Coach Brian Reynolds stated after today’s meet: “Both men’s and women’s teams showed visible signs of jet lag. The travel from Hawaii made racing difficult but a few swimmers stood up and had some good swims.” Among those being Jakub Jiracek’s 200 breast which was close to his season best.

Reynolds also stated that he was especially impressed with the progress of freshman Collen Boerner. According to Reynolds the native of Stanley, Kansas (suburban Kansas City) has displayed the work ethic and skills that should allow her to experience great success at the national meet.

All in all coach Reynolds was pleased with the effort in today’s meet but he remains focused on what needs to be done to continue to prepare both squads for national competion...as well as next week’s trip to Columbia, Mo. when the Panthers take on the Tigers of the University of Missouri. That meet, set for Jan. 21, starts at 6 pm.

Final Scores: Men’s Swimming/Diving: Drury University- 136 Louisiana-Monroe- 94 Drury Record: 3-0

Women’s Swimming/Diving: Drury University- 111.5 Louisiana-Monroe- 63.5 Record: 1-2