O'FALLON, Ill – McKendree University men's swimming and diving team opened their 2024-25 season with a 179-115 dual meet win against Southern Illinois University. 

Senior Jackson Lustig began his season strong with a quadrant of first place victories. Lustig was a part of the 200 yard medley relay (1:29.73). Lustig swam 1:45.88 for the 200 fly, 48.18, and 1.51.81 for the 200 yard IM.  

Senior Patryk Rozenek swam in three races winning all three, the 200 yard medley relay, 100 and 200 yard backstrokes with times of 49.19 and 1:50.32 respectively. 

Junior Tyson Upton placed first in three races as well, the 50 yard freestyle and 100 yard freestyle with times of 20.93, and 45.18 respectively. He also anchored the 200 yard medley relay. 

Sophomore Christan Davidson had a duo of first place finishes with times of 9:33.02 and 4:42.88 in the 1000 yard freestyle and 500 yard freestyle. 

These performances led the Bearcats to their first win of the season with a score of 179-115 over Southern Illinois University. McKendree is back in the pool at home in two weeks to compete against GLVC foes Missouri S&T and University of Indianapolis.