Contact: Adam Poklop, Sports Information Graduate Assistant, 630-637-5302

MONMOUTH, Ill. (Oct. 20) - Traveling to Monmouth College to kick off their 2018-2019 campaign, the North Central men's swimming & diving team turned in some quick times against solid competition Saturday.

Austin Blaser placed first in the 50-yard freestyle (23.57), which earned the sophomore personal best. Blaser was followed by Freshman Sam Stamatis (24.67). Ryan Lewellyan placed first in the 50-yard backstroke (29.27), while Gage Eisenbeis notched a third-place finish (38.71).

The Cardinals had a solid group of finishers in the 50-yard breaststroke, with Ferdinand Horstel placing second (29.09), just ahead of Nick Mielke (29.10). Horstel also finished second in the 100-yard breaststroke (1:03.55) followed by Luke Gentile (1:13.74).

The team of Ryan Lewellyan, Nick Mielke, Austin Blaser, and Ferdinand Horstel completed the 200-yard medley relay in a time of 1:46.06, good enough for second.

While Saturday's meet marked the first collegiate meet for the freshman swimmers, it was extra special for international student Ferdinand Horstel.

"I was excited to see the speed of college swimming in America," said Horstel after the meet.

Men's team scores
North Central 70, Monmouth 145
North Central 133, Knox 46

The Cardinals travel to Bloomington, Illinois on Oct. 27 for the Illinois Wesleyan University Halloween Invitational. Competition starts at 1 p.m.