Eagles Dominate In Home Opener Against Mars Hill
Carson-Newman swimming turned in a dominant performance Saturday afternoon at the Maddox Student Activities Center, sweeping Mars Hill in both the men’s and women’s dual meet to open the home portion of the 2026 schedule.
JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. – Carson-Newman swimming turned in a dominant performance Saturday afternoon at the Maddox Student Activities Center, sweeping Mars Hill in both the men's and women's dual meet to open the home portion of the 2026 schedule.
"Coming into the meet today, we knew it was going to be a different environment than we saw at Catawba," said assistant coach Aaron Bauer. "The goal was to come in today, get up on the blocks, have good energy behind the team, and put together good races."
The Eagle women cruised to a 174–30 victory, while the men secured a convincing 181–24 win, controlling the meet from the opening relays through the final events. Carson-Newman took gold in all 22 events.
Carson-Newman set the tone early in the women's 200-yard medley relay, as the A squad of Sarah Covington, Kate Nawyn, Martina Ivanova and Megan Corcoran touched first in 1:46.65. The men followed suit with a win in the same event, led by Will Humphreys, Ryan Berry, Noah Day and Arthur Gluzman, finishing in 1:31.68.
Ana Faria put together a standout performance in the 500 freestyle, finishing with a time of 5:18.19, helping the women's squad take down the Lions.
"I think we did really well, and it shows the hard work that we have put in at practice, and the team did really well," said Faria.
Distance events highlighted the Eagles' depth, with Delanee Williams claiming the women's 1000-yard freestyle in 10:59.29, while Noah Day paced the men with a victory in 10:13.10. Carson-Newman swept the podium in both races.
Sprint standout Emma Bowling had a strong afternoon, winning the 50-yard freestyle (23.77) and later capturing the 100-yard butterfly (57.93). On the men's side, Arthur Gluzman powered to first in the 50 free with a time of 20.66, while Gabriel Morales claimed the 100 butterfly in 47.87.
In the individual medley, Megan Corcoran won the women's 400 IM with a time of 4:27.66, while Jack Hebert delivered a standout swim for the men, touching first in 4:04.45.
Carson-Newman continued its dominance in the freestyle events, as Olivia Kerr Muir won both the 200 free (1:59.87) and 100 free (53.42). Gabriel Catapano anchored the men's sprint group with wins in the 200 free (1:37.87) and 100 free (44.52).
The Eagles set a total of three pool records in today's meet. Emma Bowling set the pool record in the 50 freestyle with a time of 23.77. Gabriel Morales posted his record in the 100 butterfly with a time of 47.87, which was previously held by teammate Arthur Gluzman (48.31). Lastly, Jack Hebert set the pool record in the 400 IM with a time of 4:04.45, as well as being part of both 800-yard freestyle relay records.
"We're pretty beat; we've been working really hard, and we brought the energy today," said Hebert. "The pool record came out of nowhere. I had no idea and didn't have any expectations, and I was super happy with the time."
The meet concluded with relay success, as the women's 800-yard freestyle relay team of Corcoran, Kerr Muir, Lillian Hilt and Ana Faria finished first in 7:49.46. The men closed the day with a win in the 800 freestyle relay, clocking 6:55.77 behind Catapano, Jakov Igrec, Mikael Soederberg and Hebert.
Carson-Newman celebrates Senior Day next Saturday, Jan. 17, at the Maddox Student Activities Center beginning at 1 p.m., when the Eagles welcome Lenoir-Rhyne and Milligan to Mossy Creek. All Senior Day festivities will occur before the meet.
For updates throughout the week, follow @CN_Eagles on X and Instagram, or Carson-Newman Athletics on Facebook. Full coverage is also available at cneagles.com.
