MELBOURNE, Fla. – The Florida Tech swimming teams began the 2024-25 season on Friday afternoon at the Panther Aquatic Center with a duel meet against Florida Southern.
The Panther women pushed the Moccasins to the final event before falling just short, 125-136, while the men's strong performance was eclipsed by FSC, 103-159.
Women's Standouts
- Rae Ann Dressel set a new school record in the 100 Breast as her time of 1:03.84 as almost four seconds ahead of the closest competition.
- Freshman Melissa Zucco made quite the first impression, winning her first in the Crimson and Gray by taking the 100 Back with a time of 58.14s that was 1.23 ahead of second place. Zucco would also go on to win the 200 Back with a time (2:07.54) that was two seconds ahead of second place.
- Debora Xavier took home the top spot in the 50 Free, with her time of 24.68 pushing her past the closest competitor by .13s. She then added to her tally on the day with a victory in the 100 Free thanks to a finish of 53.87.
- Tech opened the meet victorious in the 200 Medley Relay thanks to a 1:45.73 time put together by Zucco, Dressel, Christina Ramirez and Xavier.
Men's Standouts
- Freshman Efe Ongoren made his Florida Tech debut one to remember, winning the 200 Free (1:38.71) and 500 Free (4:36.13). He finished over six seconds ahead of second place in the 200 Free and over 10 seconds ahead of the closest competitor in the 500 Free.
- Dan Kunin also got in on the double act, emerging victorious in the 200 Breast (2:10.31) and 200 IM (1:56.97).
- Jay Jay Fonnotto won the 200 Fly with a 1:52.39 time that was .50 ahead of second place for his 14th career victory.
- Zachary Reese earned his fourth career win by taking the 200 Back thanks to a finish of 1:54.24 that was .74 ahead of the closest competitor.
COACH'S CORNER:
Head Coach Tony Marleneanu on the teams' overall performance to start the season: "I'm very proud of the way we raced. Obviously, it's been a change for everybody, so it was hard to adjust for a little bit, but I'm proud of them. They've been working hard in practice, then the hurricane happened. So to swim so fast, so early in the season, it's great. We got a school record, we got two NCAA B-cut times (Dressel in 100 Breast and Ongoren in 200 Free), so I'm very happy."
On how the team dealt with the uncertainty of a week off because of Hurricane Milton: "It was a full week of not training for some people because of the hurricane, and it affects each individual differently. You know, some people can be better with some rest, some people are not feeling so well. But we had some great swims and I like the attitude, I like the way they've been cheering for each other, helping each other."
On learning more about the team in his first season in charge: "I knew they're talented, and they're working hard in practice, so I knew who they are. It's just been one of those things where we usually we start late September, beginning of October, so everybody was ready to race to see where they are. We have a very talented team, I'm very, I'm very excited about this year. Today assured me that I was right in what I believe about them."
Up Next: The Panthers will return to action next Saturday, October 26
th at the Alfond Swimming Pool for a meet with Rollins, which is scheduled to begin at 12:00 P.M.
For the latest news, updates, and information on the Florida Tech men's and women's swimming teams, visit FloridaTechSports.com. Fans can also stay up to date on the latest Panthers news by following Florida Tech Athletics on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
