Wichita, Kan. – After a weekend filled with record-breaking performances and podium finishes, Titus Smith has been named the KCAC Swimmer of the Week following an outstanding showing for Aquinas at the conference meet.
Aquinas junior Titus Smith has always been a quiet force for the Saints, but this past weekend he made his presence impossible to ignore. After fueling multiple school-record swims and piling up podium finishes at a loaded midseason meet, Smith was named the KCAC Conference Swimmer of the Week — the latest milestone in a season that feels like a breakthrough.
Smith helped Aquinas set the tone immediately, anchoring two record-setting relays on Friday. He teamed with Talon Koppmann, Noah Berns, and Matt Dumbsky to open the meet with a blistering 1:24.42 in the 200 freestyle relay — the fastest time in program history and good for seventh overall. Moments later, he delivered the fastest freestyle anchor the Saints have ever seen, ripping a 45.92 to close out the 400 medley relay alongside Ian Clapp, Luke Martin, and Stan Tibben for another school record (3:25.28).
As the weekend unfolded, Smith only got better. On Saturday, he helped the Saints smash the school mark in the 800 freestyle relay, joining Sneller, Lucas Eussen, and Tibben for a fourth-place 7:01.81. Smith's lead-off split — an electric 1:43.97 — marked yet another program best. Individually, he climbed onto the podium in the 200 backstroke with a third-place time of 1:52.81, then returned Sunday to place 13th in the 100 butterfly (50.86) before nearly winning the 100 backstroke with a 50.94 — one of the meet's top performances.
For Smith, a Grand Rapids native and Education major focused on English, the recognition reflects more than a hot weekend in the pool. A seven-time All-State swimmer and First Team All-Conference standout, he has spent 12 years in the sport honing his craft, leaning on supportive teammates, and helping elevate Aquinas' competitive ceiling. Now, with momentum on his side, Smith is aiming even higher — determined to help lead the Saints toward their first-ever KCAC championship.
It's been a big season for the junior. And last weekend, the conference took notice.
