Laker Men started the season with their toughest dual meet opponent, Iowa Central, the team most likely to challenge Indian River for the NJCAA Men's National Championship. Although the Lakers didn't win any events, they had many strong performances, particularly in comparison to a year ago. Both of the Iowa Lakes relays had huge improvements from last year and the 200 free relay was almost faster than the same relay at the National meet. The 200 Medley Relay finished with a 1:48.68 as compared to 1:52.03 a year ago. The 200 Free Relay finished in 1:31.54 as compared to 1:38.53 at the same meet a year ago and 1:30.59 at the National Meet. Jesse Lattin, Val Trussov, Patrick Voller and Garrett Nielson swam on the Medley Relay while Jacob Bohnert, Randy Vaughan, Ben Hehr and Nielson swam on the 200 Free Relay. Coach Todd Peters was excited about the relay swims, "We knew going into this season our relays would not only be much improved, they would also be able to compete against the best in the NJCAA and we proved that against Iowa Central. It will take time this season to find the best lineup for our relays as the men compete for the spots."
Jacob Bohnert had strong swims in the 200 freestyle (1:55.36) and 100 freestyle (50.47) to finish 2nd and 3rd, respectively. Bohnert also led off the 200 free relay with a eam best 22.57. Bohnert is the leading men's returning swimmer from last year's team. Ben Hehr led the Laker freshmen with a 3rd place finish in the 200 Free (1:56.30) and a 5th place in the 500 free (5:27.14).
Sophomore Swimmer, Garrett Nielson commented on the team's performance, "Despited being sore and tired, the team was there to race and compete. We had great team spirit and swam fast."
The men are off until October 19 when they compete against St. Mary's University of Minnesota in Winona.