Results
 
INDIANAPOLIS – Writing his name down in the record books once again, sophomore Artur Osvath became the second NCAA Division I All-American in program history following his performance at the 2017 NCAA Swimming and Diving Championships, Saturday afternoon at IU Natatorium.
 
After missing out on the 200 breaststroke consolation finals by just .01 second at last year's championship meet, the sophomore made it his goal to return and score in the top-16. His efforts began in the prelims where he proceeded to break his own personal and school record.
 
"Today was a very big day for our program, our athletic department and our entire university," head coach Dave Collins said. "For Artur to score points at the National Championships and be our program's second All-American is huge.
 
"When talking about Artur I always like to make mention that he also earned a 4.0 GPA last semester. He is a leader and a great example of the term student-athlete. Chelsea and I are so proud of him."
 
Competing in heat two, the No. 25 seed earned a 1:53.87, sixth-place finish – the new school record and less than one second away from an "A" standard time. Hours later, Osvath finished the season as the 15^th ranked swimmer in the 200 breast, placing seventh in the consolation finals in one minute and 55.08 seconds.
 
"There is still a lot of room to improve. I had a good morning swim, but my time in the afternoon could've been a lot better. I am not used to swimming all-out twice a day, because in other meets I can hold it back in the prelims. But at NCAAs, to even get the chance to swim in the afternoon, I needed to perform 110% in the morning."
 
The Budapest, Hungary native joins All-American Paul Le, who received honors back in 2013. Both Osvath and Le received honorable mention honors their sophomore years.
 
"Being an all American feels amazing," Osvath said. "My goal since last year's NCAAs, when I missed top 16, was to come back and score. I am very thankful for my coaches, teammates and family for their support throughout the season."
 
Freshman Antonio Thomas concluded his NCAA run as well, finishing 30^th overall in the 1650 freestyle with a time of 15:03.83. One of six freshmen competing in the mile event, Thomas finished seventh in his heat and saw vast improvement throughout the season.
 
"Swimming at the national championship meet has taught me what I need to do better," Thomas said. "Watching these more experienced swimmers has shown me things that you don't want to do and things that can make you better. It also gives me something to look forward to as well. Hopefully I'll be able to make it to the top 16 next year."
 
The Bears' youngest student-athlete to make it to the national meet, Thomas went up against swimmers from Ohio State, South Carolina, Tennessee as well as Denver.
 
"What a year for Antonio," Collins exclaimed. "To drop 32 seconds from his high school best to qualify for the national championships is a huge accomplishment. I am very proud of him. He is just scratching the surface of what he is capable of and I know he is motivated to get back to training and continue improving."
 
After sending swimmers to the national meet for the fifth-consecutive year, Osvath believes that this is just the beginning of the Bears' success to come.
 
"I think I was the only swimmer in the final who wasn't from a power conference and I think this says a lot about our program," Osvath added. "We have great coaches and support. I think now that we have taken 2 people to NCAAs, we can pave the way for more. We can build our program and the whole team can become even faster."
 
Capping off the 2017 season, Osvath became the Missouri State men's swimming and diving team's second All-American and Thomas went down as the youngest Bear to compete and the NCAA Swimming and Diving Championships. For more information on the Missouri State swimming and diving team, visit missouristatebears.com or follow @MoStateSwim on Twitter.