Listen Here
By Mara Waire
wairem@findlay.edu
The University of Findlay swimming and diving and track and field programs both reached new heights at their respective NCAA Division II national championships last week, with the Oilers collecting historic finishes, individual titles, and a combined 68 All-American honors.
The women’s swimming and diving team placed seventh in the nation with 269.5 points — the highest finish in program history — while the men finished eighth with 167 points, marking their second-best result ever. Findlay sent 16 swimmers to the five-day meet, held March 10-14 in Evansville, Indiana, along with two alternates.
The year’s enthusiasm carried over into the championship runs for both swimming and diving teams.
“It was probably the best atmosphere we’ve ever had,” said senior Troie Grubbs. “Everyone was happy, the environment was really positive, and we all pushed each other more than we ever have.”
Senior Emily Mears-Bentley became the first female swimmer in program history to win an NCAA national title, securing first place in the 200-meter butterfly event.
Senior Randy Keener was honored with the NCAA Elite 90 Award, given to the championship participant with the highest academic standing; Keener maintained a perfect 4.0 GPA.
The Oilers recorded eight runner-up finishes and two third-place finishes across the meet, earning a combined 59 All-American honors — 30 first team and 29 second team. Findlay also set 15 school records, seven on the women’s side and eight on the men’s.
5th-year senior Camilo Marrugo Montano, a 3x first-team All-American in the 100 freestyle, 100 butterfly, and 50 free, talks about the prep and practice that led him to this point.
“Performance at NCAAs, conference, and dual meets is shaped by everything—how you eat, rest, stretch, and sleep. Those habits really influence results,” says Marrugo.
Out of the water and on the track and field, the Oilers sent 12 athletes to the NCAA Division II Indoor Track and Field Championships, held March 13-14 at the Virginia Beach Sports Center in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Among those 12 were six pole vaulters — the most Assistant Coach Clint Dillon has brought to nationals during his time at Findlay.
Success spread throughout both men’s and women’s pole vault, as sophomore Colleen Steinmetz earned first-team All-American honors after setting a school record with a clearance of 4.27 meters, surpassing the previous mark of 4.17 meters. Senior Alex Mutchler earned first-team All-American honors on the men’s side, tying for fourth overall.
“A testament to the program that Dillon and our coaches have built, specifically Coach Dillon. He has truly created a culture on our team that pushes us to be better in every aspect of life,” said Mutchler.
Women’s pole vaulters Victoria Harvey and Brayden Sniders each earned second-team All-American honors, placing 11th and 12th. Freshmen Evan Combs and junior Nate Buschur tied for 11th on the men’s side, each earning second-team All-American recognition.
Junior Leah Smith stood out on the track, earning first-team All-American honors in both the 60-meter dash, where she finished eighth, and the 200-meter dash, where she placed fourth, coming within .1 seconds of the all-time school record. As Smith had great individual success throughout nationals, the most memorable moment was shared with her relay.
“Making the podium with the 4×4 relay team, as we had lots of uncertainty going into nationals, being an upperclassman on the relay was very special,” said Smith.
The women’s 4×400-meter relay team also earned first-team All-American honors, finishing fifth overall. The relay featured Smith, junior Mary Ellis, sophomore Zanri Black, and freshman Katharina Rupp.
Overall, the Oilers recorded five first-team All-American honors and four second-team All-American honors in track and field.
