AQ M/W Swim & Dive rock on Nov 1 Swim Meet

Aquinas Swim & Dive Dominates the Deck at Elkhart Health & Aquatics

Saints Shatter Records, Make Waves at Bethel Quad in Elkhart

11/2/2025 1:24:00 AM

By: Joey Sutherlin - Assistant AD, Director of Athletic Communications

Elkhart, Ind. — The Aquinas College Swim & Dive teams didn't just roll into town for another weekend of competition — they walked into the lion's den of the undefeated Bethel Pilots (9–0) and turned the Elkhart Health & Aquatics Center into their personal proving ground. In a four-team quad that featured Alma, Bethel, and Olivet, the Saints made it clear they came to make a splash — and then some. From a school-record shattering relay on the women's side to a one-two punch in the men's freestyle relay that showcased pure Aquinas dominance, the Saints brought grit, speed, and swagger to Elkhart. It was the kind of meet that left the competition watching ripples in their wake — proof that AQ is gearing up to make serious noise come championship season.

Final Team Scores

Men's

  • Bethel University 161.00, University of Olivet 16.00
  • Aquinas College 193.00, University of Olivet 15.00
  • Aquinas College 148.00, Bethel University 89.00
  • Alma College 163.00, University of Olivet 20.00
  • Bethel University 138.00, Alma College 85.00
  • Aquinas College 173.00, Alma College 61.00

Women's

  • Bethel University 193.00, University of Olivet 24.00
  • Aquinas College 203.00, University of Olivet 21.00
  • Bethel University 155.00, Aquinas College 88.00
  • Alma College 156.00, University of Olivet 41.00
  • Bethel University 183.00, Alma College 49.00
  • Aquinas College 195.00, Alma College 43.00

Men's Swim Team Highlights

The Saints' men wasted no time setting the tone, taking the 400 medley relay behind Ian Clapp, Luke Martin, Stan Tibben, and Titus Smith in 3:29.86. Tibben continued his outstanding freshman campaign, breaking the Aquinas school record in the 200 freestyle (1:45.87) and winning the 100 butterfly (52.68).

Martin claimed the 200 IM crown in 2:04.29, with freshman Bryce Hopson right on his heels (2:05.28). Talon Koppmann sprinted to victory in the 100 freestyle (48.70), while Smith dominated the 200 backstroke (1:57.28), followed by Clapp in third (1:59.78).

The finale was pure dominance as AQ's A and B 200 freestyle relay teams finished first and second, with Matthew Dumbsky, Koppmann, Martin, and Smith clocking 1:26.60, and TJ Baumer, Lucas Eussen, Collin Alward, and Noah Berns securing runner-up in 1:30.88.

Women's Swim Team Highlights

The AQ women opened with fireworks—Emersyn Joslin, Elena Cavadas, Amelia Edens, and Hannah Brown crushed the school record in the 400 medley relay, finishing in 4:04.21. Joslin's lead-off 100 backstroke leg (58.62) was the second-fastest in school history and ranks fourth nationally.

Joslin later captured the 200 backstroke title in 2:10.01, while Dailey Jogan impressed in the mile (1650 freestyle) with a season-best 19:08.90—fifth fastest in AQ history. Amelia Edens was runner-up in the 200 freestyle (2:00.89), while Chloe Boivin, Addie Osborne, Edens, and Brown closed the meet by winning the 200 freestyle relay in 1:39.61—four seconds clear of the field.

Men's Dive Team Highlights

Aquinas diving once again flexed national-level depth. Evan Bennett swept both boards, taking the 1M (267.60) and 3M (285.95) titles. Teammate Troy Borrero claimed silver on 1M (229.65) and bronze on 3M (215.15). First-years Cooper Wasson, Major Vance, along with senior Sawyer Shank rounded out the top six on both boards, highlighting AQ's unmatched team depth.

Women's Dive Team Highlights

Emma Nibbelink continued to lead the way for AQ's women, taking second place on both the 1M (166.00) and 3M (166.60) boards. Senior teammates Kaitlyn Santaguida and Anna Benstead added valuable points by finishing in the top five of both events, showcasing balance and consistency across the diving squad.

Program Milestones

Saturday's meet produced several standout moments for the Aquinas Swim & Dive program:
• The women's 400 medley relay set a new school record (4:04.21).
• Joslin's 100 backstroke split ranked second all-time and fourth nationally.
• Jogan's 1650 freestyle marked the fifth-fastest time in AQ history.
• The men's 200 freestyle relay sweep underscored AQ's depth and dominance heading toward the KCAC Championship.

Coach's Comments

Head Coach Kristy Hepp shared her thoughts after the meet:

"We love competing at the Elkhart Aquatic Center because it gives us experience in the same pool we'll compete in for nationals in March. To have some school records go down and such quick times during the most challenging part of our training cycle is nothing short of impressive. Both our men's and women's teams want to win, and win big. I think our upperclassmen leaders are showing the underclassmen how to step up whenever they're given the opportunity, and our divers have the most positive energy and momentum needed to perform at their best. At the end of the day, we've put substance to back up our big team goals!"

Up Next

The Aquinas Men's and Women's Swim & Dive teams return to action on Saturday, November 8, when they travel to Hillsdale to compete in a tri-meet with Hillsdale and Indiana Wesleyan. Stay tuned to AQSaints.com for full coverage, results, and recaps as Aquinas continues to dive deep into the 2025–26 campaign.

 

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