Results
 
COLUMBIA, Mo.  – The Missouri State men's and women's swimming and diving each claimed a second-place team finish among 10 in-state schools Friday at the Show-Me Showdown in the Mizzou Aquatic Center.
 
MSU finished second in the team standings in men's and women's for the third consecutive year, following host and frontrunner Missouri. The men collected 413 points while the women amassed 387.5 throughout the annual event.
 
"I am pleased with our first block of training leading into today's meet," said head coach Dave Collins. "It's always fun to watch our newcomers compete for the first time and nice to see such a large support group present at the event."
 
Reigning freshman of the year pair Pawel Krawczyk and Alex Thorson produced stellar performances in the 500 freestyle, with Krawczyk placing third (4:35.57) and Thorson taking fourth (5:05.54) in the long-distance event. The duo each tacked on an additional top-10 finish in the 200 freestyle.
 
"I thought the team did really well for our first meet," said Thorson. "There was a lot of support present, and I am excited for the upcoming season."
 
Newcomers made a splash in the season-opener, with Conner Funke, Michael Hampel, and Arthur Cury each providing the Bears with a top-10 finish. Funke and Hampel tied for fourth in the 100 breaststroke, touching the wall at an identical 57.08 mark.  Arthur Cury slipped in another fourth-place spot for the Bears in the 100 free, earning a time of 46.10.
 
"A lot of positives to take away from the meet," said Michael Hampel. "The energy from the first event to the last event was incredible and overall a positive learning experience for the entire team."
 
The Bears saw key contributions from their returning class, as All-MVC selection Anna Miller turned in two top-10 efforts in the 50 and 100 free. Seniors Antonio Thomas and Samuel Senn highlighted added key points for the Bears, with Thomas placing fourth in the 500 free (4:36.24) and Senn tallying sixth in the 100 free (46.63).
 
MSU impressed in the relays as well, earning at least a top-five spot in three team events.
 
Diving saw success with Ashley Yarbrough, Michael Claunch, Dayana Popa, John David Spence, and Trevor Fischer each having a top-five placement on the 1-meter and 3-meter boards.

"This meet is fun because we get to show off the dives we have been working on throughout the summer," said Popa. "The season-opening meet always gets me excited for the rest of the season."
 
The Bears will return to action next weekend with the women facing Kansas and the men taking on South Dakota in Lawrence, Kan. on Friday, Oct. 11 – Saturday, Oct. 12.
 
For all the latest information on the Missouri State swimming and diving team, visit missouristatebears.com or follow @MoStateSwim on Twitter.