Wheeling Cardinals Dominate Day One at MEC/GMAC Swimming Championships
Canton, OH – The Wheeling University Men’s Swimming team made a significant splash at the opening day of the 2026 Mountain East Conference (MEC)/Great Midwest Athletic Conference (GMAC) Championships. The Cardinals currently hold third place overall and lead all MEC competitors by a substantial 10-point margin.
Cardinals Secure First Team All-MEC Honors
The team’s success was highlighted by a pair of First Team All-MEC performances, contributing to a total of five All-MEC honorees on the day. The 200-Yard Medley Relay team of Aris Dimakis, Efe Kucuk, Meiko Schonekes, and Nathaniel Oliveras kicked off the finals with a third-place finish, securing First Team All-MEC recognition. They also established a new program record in the event, outpacing the rest of the MEC field by half a second.
Duygun Shatters Seed Time in 1000-Yard Freestyle
Segmen Duygun further bolstered the Cardinals’ performance with a First Team All-MEC honor in the 1000-Yard Freestyle. He dramatically improved upon his seed time of 9:53.12, finishing in 9:42.44. Nathan Reigel also achieved a season-best time of 10:22.82, knocking 16 seconds off his previous seed, while Matthew Charlesworth finished 17th overall in his first attempt at the event this season.
Strong Showing in 200 Individual Medley
The 200 Individual Medley saw significant Cardinal representation, with athletes competing in all three finals. Archie Pigott earned Second Team All-MEC honors with a time of 1:55.03, closely followed by Efe Kucuk. Meiko Schonekes added a 13th-place finish, and Levi Parker contributed a crucial point with a 24th-place finish.
Cardinals Claim Gold in 200 Yard Freestyle Relay
The day culminated with a gold medal win in the Men’s 200 Yard Freestyle Relay. The team of Dimakis, Quintin Tayali, Sarp Killic, and Patrick Kirby secured First Team All-MEC honors with a winning time of 1:25.25.
Looking Ahead to Day Two
The Wheeling University Men’s Swimming team will continue competing in the GMAC/MEC Championships on Wednesday, with prelims scheduled for 10 AM and finals at 6 PM.
The Rise of Conference Championships in Collegiate Swimming
The combined MEC/GMAC Championships highlight a growing trend in collegiate athletics: conference consolidation and collaboration. This approach allows smaller conferences to increase visibility and provide a more competitive environment for their athletes. The success of the Wheeling University team demonstrates the potential for programs within these conferences to excel.
The Impact of Young Talent
Wheeling University’s roster features a significant number of young, talented swimmers, as noted in reports covering the 2025-2026 season. Investing in and developing young athletes is a key strategy for sustained success in collegiate swimming. These athletes bring energy, dedication, and a willingness to learn, contributing to a positive team dynamic.
FAQ
Q: Where are the MEC/GMAC Swimming & Diving Championships being held?
A: The championships are being held at the C.T. Brannin Natatorium in Canton, Ohio.
Q: Which conferences are participating in the championships?
A: The Mountain East Conference (MEC) and the Great Midwest Athletic Conference (GMAC) are participating.
Q: What is the schedule for the championships?
A: Prelims are at 10 AM and finals are at 6 PM each day.
Q: How did Wheeling University perform on the first day?
A: The Wheeling University Men’s Swimming team is currently in third place overall and leads all MEC opponents.
Did you know? The Wheeling University Men’s Swimming team has been competing in the MEC since 2013.
Stay updated with the latest results and news from the MEC/GMAC Championships on the Mountain East Network.
