The Rowan men’s swimming team beat Montclair State 160-102 on Friday night at Tony Lisa Natatorium. The win improved Rowan’s record to 2-2 on the season and maintained a perfect 43-0 record against Montclair State throughout the program’s history.

Rowan won 12 of the 14 events during the meet and received contributions from many different swimmers on the roster. Head Coach Brad Bowser was pleased with certain aspects that his team showed throughout the meet.

“We showed grit and showed a way of winning to just swim our races, put our head down, and get our hand on the wall first,” Bowser said. “Were our times great? No, but we definitely succeeded in winning the meet.”

Seniors Jack Watson and Tobias Cahnbley took home victories in multiple events. The All-American Watson won the 100 back (53.30) and 500 free (4:51.55) while Cahnbley was victorious in the 200 free (1:45.71) and 200 back (1:54.08). Both Watson and Cahnbley were also part of the relay team that won the 200 medley relay (1:35.06). 

While Watson and Cahnbley are counted on to win events, Rowan also received standout performances from younger swimmers like freshman Jim Mahoney and sophomore Braden Sheehan. Mahoney was a multi-event winner, claiming victories in the 100 (58.80) and 200 breaststroke (2:10.86). Sheehan won the 200 individual medley (1:59.15) in close fashion, overtaking his opponent in the last 50 yards and edging out second place by .16 seconds. Sheehan talked about the preparation he put in to help him walk out with a win. 

“In most of my races I have that extra engine in the last 50 there I know I can turn up,” Sheehan said. “I also do a lot of 2 IMs in practice so I know I have the energy to come back in a race.”

While his team is competing, Bowser can often be seen roaming the deck of the pool, constantly talking to his swimmers. Bowser gave some insight as to what he was telling them during this particular meeting.

“I give them advice and expertise about how I used to swim things,” Bowser said. “Some swimmers you have to lighten the mood, some need positive feedback and some need negative feedback. It’s anything I can do to motivate the team.”

Rowan’s next meet comes at the Franklin and Marshall Invitational in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. The meet will serve as a good barometer for younger guys like Sheehan as to how much they’ve grown as swimmers.

“I put in a lot of work in the offseason, working out 6 days a week,” Sheehan said. “Also swimming on top of that 5 days a week so that’s definitely contributed to the growth this season,”

The meeting will take place over three days from Friday, Nov. 22 to Sunday, Nov. 24.

For comments/questions about this story DM us on Instagram @TheWhitSports or email sports@thewhitonline.com