Men's Swimming Claims Fifth ECAC Winter Title In Program History
Champions once again! For the fifth time in program history and first time since 2019, the NJIT men's swimming and diving team has captured the ECAC Winter Championships title. The Highlanders completed their triumphant return to the meet after three years away (no meet in 2020, did not compete in 2021-22) by scoring 1692 points to hold off second place Monmouth (1279) and third place LIU (1063).
NJIT swept the individual awards as well, with freshman Francois Malherbe earning Men's Swimmer of the Meet honors and head coach Ron Farina and his staff sharing the Men's Coach of the Meet award. Aiden Ban and assistant coach Timothy Lynch were named Men's Diver and Men's Diving Coach of the Meet on Saturday.
The Highlanders' fifth ECAC title (2015, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2023) places them in a tie with Stevens (2009, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014) for the most Winter Championships titles in meet history (since 1998).
DAY 3 HIGHLIGHTS
- Malherbe's collection of NJIT freestyle records set on the weekend was completed by besting his own 100 Free mark (44.24) and aiding in the breaking of the 400 Free Relay record (3:00.84).
- Laith Sabbah's second place finish in the 200 Back (1:45.37) would have set a new meet record if not for Iona's Michael Faughnan winning over the freshman with a time of 1:44.42.
HIGHLANDER VICTORIES
- Francois Malherbe: 100 Free (44.24)
- Ian Horstkamp-Vinekar: 200 Fly (1:48.92)
- Francois Malherbe/Laith Sabbah/Zac Kuzak/Hirad Sharifian: 400 Free Relay (3:00.84)*
NEXT UP
NJIT is done competitively for 2023 and will resume its schedule in 2024 with a short road dual at Seton Hall Friday, Jan 12.