Freshman Eric Chen wins three times to lead #25 Men's Swimming & Diving past Wittenberg 125-106 to remain undefeated

By Tim Glon

SPRINGFIELD — Freshman Eric Chen won three times to lead the No. 25-ranked Ohio Northern men's swimming & diving team in a 125-106 victory at Wittenberg on Friday night at the HPER Natatorium.

The Polar Bears remain undefeated with a 4-0 record, while the Tigers fall to 2-4.

Chen won the 200 free in 1:48.94, won the 100 back in :55.66 and combined with senior John Beaschler, junior Brian Heilbronner and freshman Logan Pfeifer to win the 200 free relay in 1:29.08.

In all, ONU won six of the 11 swimming events on the night, including four of the five freestyle events.

The Polar Bears dominated the distance free events, finishing 1-2-3 in the 500 free and 1-2 in the 1,000 free.

Sophomore Jacob Croasdell, freshman Chris Hoffman and sophomore Tyler Lucian took the top three spots in the 500 free. Croasdell won the event in 5:02.63, Hoffman was second in 5:05.67 and Lucien was third in 5:09.94.

In the 1,000 free, sophomore Zack Martin won in 10:27.06 and freshman Cody Newton was second in 1:48.94.

Beaschler won the 100 free in :49.40 and freshman Jeremy Preston won the 100 fly in :53.40.

"We're learning to respond to challenges without backing down," ONU head coach Peggy Ewald said. "Sometimes we came out on top, sometimes we failed.  It's about attitude and effort and we're adjusting both."

Ohio Northern will return to action Saturday at Noon at No. 1-ranked Kenyon.