The Indiana Hoosiers are making waves! The Ohio State Fall Invitational is where they're showcasing incredible performances, with personal bests, new school records, and even nation-leading times. But what's the secret to their success? Let's dive in!
2025 Ohio State Fall Invitational
- Dates: November 18-21, 2025
- Location: McCorkle Aquatic Pavilion, Columbus, OH
- Schedule:
- Prelims: 9:30 am ET (swimming), 11:30 am ET (diving)
- Finals: 5:30 pm ET
- Participating Teams: Ohio State, Indiana, Yale, Cincinnati, Notre Dame, Louisville, Penn State, UCLA, Kentucky, Purdue
- Course: SCY (25 yards)
- Live Results: (https://sidearmstats.com/ohiostatedev/swim/)
- Meet Mobile: “2025 Ohio State Fall Invitational”
- Live Stream: (subscription required) (https://www.bigtenplus.com/en-int/livestream/ohio-state-fall-invitational/2041759)
- Recaps: Day 2 Prelims, Day 3 Prelims, Day 4 Prelims, Day 1 Finals, Day 2 Finals, Day 3 Finals
After losing key swimmers like Anna Peplowski and Jassen Yep, along with some top divers, the Hoosiers faced a challenge. However, a strong freshman class has emerged, exceeding all expectations.
Coach Ray Looze credits the team's culture for their impressive performance. He highlighted how the new freshmen have seamlessly integrated with the team, with older swimmers like Mya DeWitt, Lily Hann, Owen McDonald, Max Cahill, and Drew Reiter stepping up as leaders.
One of the most exciting moments came when Miranda Grana set a new school record in the women’s 100 fly, breaking the 50-second barrier with a time of 49.98. This achievement places her among the top 13 women in history to achieve this feat. The new NCAA event order is benefiting Grana, allowing her to swim the 100 fly and 100 back on separate days.
On the men's side, some swimmers are exploring new events due to the new order. Owen McDonald and Miroslav Knedla faced scheduling conflicts on the final day, leading to some strategic choices. McDonald excelled in the 100 fly, finishing second with a significant time drop to 44.68, while Knedla competed in the 200 free, placing sixth.
Freshman Liberty Clark is making a huge impact, with an outstanding college debut. She won the 200 freestyle in 1:41.27, finished second in the 50 free at 21.54, and qualified first in the 100 free prelims with her 47.24. Coach Looze wasn't surprised by her success, attributing it to her hard work and consistent performance in practice.
But here's where it gets controversial... Clark's success highlights a shift in the Indiana women’s program, both in recruiting and training. The school record in the women’s 50 freestyle has been broken by four different women in recent years, demonstrating the program's improvement.
Looze attributes this to a “diverse training program” and recruiting high-level talent. He points to pro swimmer Van Mathias as an example of their training flexibility. Mathias returned to the pool after a break and made the U.S. Pan Pacs roster in the 50 breast.
On the other hand, transfers Andrew and Aaron Shackell are excelling in longer events. Aaron achieved a personal best in the 500 freestyle, and Andrew dominated the 200 fly prelims. Their sister, Alex Shackell, will join the program in the spring, bringing further excitement.
Alex has already been supporting the team, and her sprint freestyle speed will complement Clark and senior Paegle.
What do you think? Do you agree with Coach Looze's emphasis on team culture? Are you surprised by the success of the freshmen? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
