GRANVILLE, Ohio (Feb. 13) – The Denison men continued their stronghold on the team standings after an outstanding second full day of competition at the 2025 NCAC Swimming & Diving Championships, hosted at Trumbull Aquatics Center. The Big Red claimed victory in four events, set two new NCAC records, and extended their lead to 716 points heading into the weekend.
Denison opened the night with a dominant performance in the 500 freestyle, securing a podium sweep. Senior Christian McIntire defended his title in the event, touching the wall first with an NCAA "B" cut time of 4:27.12. He was followed closely by Lucas Conrads with a time of 4:26.39 and George Goins who took third with a time of 4:28.46 to complete the top-three sweep, boosting Denison's early momentum.
In the 200 IM, Big Red senior and reigning NCAC Swimmer of the Year Patrick Daly shattered his own conference record, posting a blazing time of 1:46.58 to secure back-to-back titles. The event was a major point swing for Denison, as seven Big Red swimmers ( Devin Testin, Luke Swiggett, Elijah Venos, Ben Bevill, Gavin Jones, and Liam Nelson) advanced to the "A" final, collectively earning 200 points and further solidifying the team's position at the top of the standings.
Nick Hensel had a strong showing in the 50 yard freestyle earning second place with a time of 20.17 while teammate Jack Hill claimed the bronze medal with a final time of 20.36.
Denison had a strong day in the diving well, where junior Nick Fogel claimed the NCAC one-meter diving title with a regional-qualifying score of 526.55. A one-two-three finish in the event netted 96 additional points for the Big Red, extending their lead to 143 points. Brendan Stanley took second place with 473.05 points and Brock Butchko earned third with 400.65 points.
The night concluded with a historic performance in the 400 medley relay. The Denison quartet of sophomore Jack Hill, seniors Elijah Venos and Christian Narcelles, and first-year Nick Hensel set a new NCAC record and varsity record with a smooth NCAA "B" cut time of 3:12.17, closing out the evening in dominant fashion.
With two days remaining, Denison holds a commanding lead in the men's team standings with 716 points, ahead of second-place Kenyon (565). The championship meet continues Friday, with preliminary races beginning at 9:30 a.m. and finals at 6:00 p.m.
