Johnny Crush reset Army’s program record in the 100 backstroke with a 47.07 during the Black Knights season-opening tri-meet against Fordham and Marist. Current photo via Chip Durmstorf
Army vs. Marist vs. Fordham
- September 27, 2024
- West Point, NY
- 25 Yards (SCY)
- Scores:
- Women: Army – 551, Fordham – 330.5, Marist – 248.5
- Men: #24 Army – 565, Fordham – 293, Marist – 284
These three New York-based schools opened their 2024-25 season with a tri-meet hosted by Army. This meet, also known as the West Point Sprints, featured a mix of traditional and untraditional events. In addition to the 50s of stroke, which are uncommon to see at an NCAA meet, some of the more eclectic events were the relays, as swimmers took part in the 500, 600, and 1000-yard freestyle relays and 400 medley relay where everyone swims a 100 IM.
Team websites disagree on whether this meet was scored, but either way Army’s depth was on full display against the two other mid-major teams.
Women’s Meet
Army started the meet strong, winning the first three events. Catriona Gilmore, Hadley King, Avery Lord, and Meghan Cole took the win in the first event, the 400 medley relay, with Cole splitting 55.67 to rally past Fordham to win in 3:51.21. Then, Army went 1-2 in the 1000 freestyle relay, a two-person race where each athlete swims a 500 free. They also went 1-2 in the 50 backstroke, with freshman Jenna Hart beating junior Layne Peterson, 26.01 to 26.62.
Fordham’s Emma Shaughnessy interrupted the Black Knight’s winning streak. She won the 50 breaststroke in 28.93 and was the only swimmer in the field to go sub-29 as Marist’s April Avila edged out Cole for 2nd, 29.62 to 29.68. Avila was the standout on the day for Marist as she also took 2nd in the 100 breaststroke (1:04.69). Her individual swims were Marist’s highest finishes on the day…