Harrison Lilley

Photo Editor

hjl5363@psu.edu

GROVE CITY – The Penn State Behrend men’s swimming and diving team made a splash as they kicked off the 2023-24 season at Grove City on Saturday, October 14. The competition was fierce, and the Lions showcased their talent and determination throughout the event.

The final score at the James E. Longnecker Competition Pool in Grove City, PA, saw Grove City emerging victorious with 1572 points, while Behrend accumulated a total of 943 points. Although the Lions faced a formidable opponent, there were several standout performances that highlighted the day’s competition.

Jacob Earley, hailing from Erie, PA, and representing Harbor Creek, was a star for the Lions. He secured victory in two events, demonstrating his diving prowess. Earley clinched the one-meter diving competition with an impressive score of 184.81 and continued to shine in the three-meter diving event, where he scored 172.81.

Tim Compton, a swimmer from Pittsburgh, PA, competing for North Allegheny, displayed remarkable versatility in the pool. He claimed first place in the 500 free with a time of 5:04.68. Compton’s achievements didn’t stop there, as he secured second place in four different events. He clocked a time of 1:49.91 in the 200 free, 54.55 in the 100 fly, and 1:03.29 in the 100 breaststroke. Additionally, Compton made significant contributions to the relays, guiding his team to second and third-place finishes.

One of these relays was the 200 medley relay, which featured Anthony Tumino leading off, followed by Will Perham, Tim Compton, and Dan Tanaskovic. This quartet displayed incredible teamwork and secured a second-place finish with a time of 1:35.71. Furthermore, Compton joined forces with Jax Abele, Dan Tanaskovic, and Anthony Tumino in the 200 free relay, earning them a commendable third-place finish with a time of 1:30.42.

Will Perham, representing Upper St. Clair, PA, showed his mettle in the pool as well. He emerged victorious in the 100 breaststroke, touching first with a winning time of 1:02.17. Perham’s performance continued to impress as he claimed third place in the 500 free, finishing with a time of 5:14.14.

Dan Tanaskovic, from Aliquippa, PA, representing Central Valley, stood out in the 50 free, securing second place with a time of 22.37. Meanwhile, Glenn Fowkes, hailing from Vandergrift, PA, and representing Kiski Area, demonstrated his skill in the 200 back, finishing second with a time of 2:09.54.

In the 200 fly, Ronan Murphy, a swimmer from Fredonia, NY, competing for Fredonia, showcased his talents by securing third place with a time of 2:22.13. Additionally, Anthony Tumino had the top time for the Lions in the 100 backstroke, finishing in third place with a time of 56.68.

As the Penn State Behrend men’s swimming and diving team continues its 2023-24 season, the remarkable performances of these athletes signal a promising year ahead, with exciting competitions and achievements yet to come.