ELKHART, Ind. – With the postseason fast approaching, the Aquinas swim & dive team made the most of its final tune-up at the Last Chance Meet hosted inside the Elkhart Aquatic Center — the same pool that will host NAIA Nationals in just a few weeks. The Saints used the opportunity to sharpen race execution and chase qualifying standards, highlighted by breakthrough backstroke swims from Titus Smith and Ian Clapp.

Smith delivered the headline performance of the meet, touching first in the 200 backstroke with a season-best time of 1:51.88. The swim not only secured the event victory but also elevated Smith's standing in the NAIA rankings, moving him to an NAIA B position, and likely to be selected for nationals.

Clapp followed closely behind, placing second in 1:53.13, earning a personal-best effort. His performance mirrored Smith's momentum, improving his NAIA standing and strengthening his case for a national meet berth. Racing in the same heat, the pair pushed each other throughout the event, making the closing stretch a strong sign of the Saints' postseason readiness.

Alongside the standout backstroke duo, Aquinas sent a focused group to compete and prepare for championship season, including, Luke Martin, Liam Sneller, Bryce Hopson, Lucas Eussen, Addie Osborne, Elena Cavadas, and Cooper Wasson.

Martin added a first-place finish in the 100-yard breaststroke, while Sneller captured the 500-yard freestyle title and Eussen touched first in the 400-yard individual medley, giving the Saints multiple event victories at the final tune-up meet.

With confidence-building swims and improved national positioning, the Saints leave Elkhart encouraged by their progress and eager to return to the same pool for the sport's biggest stage.

Coaches Comments
"We came here to race with urgency and confidence, and Titus and Ian delivered exactly that," said head coach Kristy Hepp. "Seeing them post personal bests and move into strong national selection positions in the same pool we'll compete in next month is incredibly encouraging. This group showed great focus today, and we're excited to carry that momentum into nationals."