The Rowan men’s swimming team continued their strong start to the season on Friday, defeating the Montclair State Red Hawks, 139-127, at the Panzer Athletic Center.
Juniors Braden Sheehan and Gavin Danze continued their early individual success, with Sheehan winning the 100 and 200 free, and Danze earning wins in the 500 and 1000 free. Sheehan joined James Bygott, Josh Oliveira, and Kristian Werner in the 200 medley to earn another first-place finish on the day. Sophomore Jim Mahoney also earned a first-place finish in the 100 breaststroke.
“I feel like we performed well throughout the whole meet,” Head coach Brad Bowser said. “There were some question marks towards the end as we got a little more run down, more tired, so we definitely ran out of a little bit of endurance, but overall, we came to race hard and they definitely competed at a high level.”
Sheehan felt that their first two meets had been good preparation for the challenges ahead.
“The way I look at the first two meets is kind of like practice runs. These first couple weeks are kind of learning to swim your own race,” Sheehan said. “It’s the beginning of the year so it’s kind of just getting those reps in.”
The Profs have found success on all grade levels, though, from freshman to senior. Two freshmen played a major role in their victory against the Red Hawks, with Benjamin Haddad winning the 200 butterfly and Owen Masters winning the 100 free. It was Hadadd’s second win in as many meets, and he’s looking like he’s on the rise for this Profs team.
“I’m at a pretty good spot in the season right now,” Haddad said. “I’m happy with the progress I’m making in the pool and really enjoying the college swimming experience so far.”
While the practices under Bowser are most certainly difficult, especially for incoming freshmen, Haddad said the team does a good job at making it a positive experience rather than a negative one.
“Practices have been intense, but the team does a great job at making it a really positive environment during tough practices,” Haddad said. “Coach Brad [Bowser] does a great job at making sure every kid gets good guidance in the pool, which feels like they’re getting something out of each practice.”
The season will only bring more challenges for Sheehan, Haddad, and the rest of the Profs. Despite their 2-0 start and already matching their win total from last season, both wins last season were against the teams they just recently beat.
“Based off of where we’re at right now, I feel like we’re in a better spot with leadership,” Bowser said. “I think we’re in a better situation with age as guys have gotten older.”
Rowan will head to Salisbury, Maryland, on Saturday, Nov. 1, to take on the Salisbury University Seagulls.
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