NC State
Texas
Wolfpack Men Top Virginia, Women Claim Win Over Sun Devils
1/25/2025 5:37:00 PM | Swimming
AUSTIN, TX – The No. 6 men's and No. 8 women's NC State Swimming and Diving teams traveled to Austin, Texas, to compete in the inaugural Eddie Reese Texas Showdown, hosted by the University of Texas.
In front of a record crowd of 2,331, the largest in Texas swimming history, the Wolfpack squared off against some of the nation's best teams, including Texas, Arizona State, and Virginia, in a competitive quad meet on January 24-25.
The No. 8 Wolfpack women earned a 213-139 victory over Arizona State but faced challenges against No. 1 Virginia (234.50-117.50) and No. 2 Texas (237-115). The No. 6 men's team also split their results, securing a dominant win over No. 18 Virginia (226-125) while falling to No.1 Texas (224.50-107.50) and No. 4 Arizona State (220.50-131.50).
The competition kicked off Friday morning with the 200 medley relays, where both the men's and women's teams earned third-place finishes. The women posted a time of 1:36.19, and the men clocked in at 1:23.34, both securing A-cut times for the events.
Freshman Leah Shackley had an impressive performance, earning four podium finishes. Three individually and one in a relay. Although she didn't record any season bests, Shackley held her ground against some of the best in the country, including world record holder Gretchen Walsh of Virginia, as well as seasoned swimmers like Katie Grimes(Virginia) and Claire Curzan(Virginia). Shackley claimed second place in both the 100 and 200 backstroke events, and earned third place in the 100 fly and as part of the 400 medley relay team.
Junior Kennedy Noble had a standout weekend, earning three podium finishes: third in the 200 IM, third in the 100 back, and third as part of the women's 400 medley relay team. Freshman Lisa Nystrand made a mark in the 400 IM, recording a personal best with a time of 4:07.94, marking the seventh-fastest time in school history. She also swam a season-best 2:08.42 in the 200 breaststroke on Saturday, earning the sixth-fastest time in NC State history.
In the men's competition, freshman Sasha Zheltiakov made his collegiate debut ,claiming second place in the 200 backstroke with a time of 1:40.66. That performance also earned him the ninth-fastest time in school history.
Junior Lance Norris dominated the 1650 freestyle on Saturday, finishing second in his heat and securing the fifth-fastest mile time in school history with a time of 14:39.42. Fellow swimmer Chase Travis also impressed, recording the eighth-fastest time in school history with a 16:02.74 in the same event.
Sophomore Elisabeth Rockefeller made notable strides after a strong performance in the 3-meter event, setting a new career and season best with a score of 321.80, earning a fifth-place finish. Freshman Calvin LeBlanc had a notable performance in the 3-meter event, surpassing 300 points for the first time with a score of 322.50—setting a new personal best and earning a seventh-place finish. Diver Will Schwallier saw a career high in the 1-meter event, scoring 290.45 for a sixth-place finish and a new personal best.
Looking ahead, the Wolfpack will return to Raleigh for their final dual meet of the season against UNCW on January 31, where they'll honor their seniors and fifth-year athletes.
Top times
Fridays Morning Session:
3rd- Women's 200 medley relay: Erika Pelaez, Tyler Driscoll, Cassie Moses, Lily Christianson (1:36.19)3rd- Men's 200 medley relay: Quintin McCarty, Sam Hoover, Jerry Fox, Luke Miller (1:23.34)
3rd- 200 IM: Kennedy Noble
3rd- 500 Free: Lance Norris
Friday Night Session:
3rd- Women's 200 free relay: Olivia Nel, Lily Christianson, Tyler Driscoll, Erika Pelaez (1:27.67)2nd- Men's 200 free relay: Quintin McCarty, Jerry Fox, Kaii Winkler, Sam Hoover (1:15.93)
3rd- Men's 400 IM: Kyle Ponsler (3:44.85)
3rd- Women's 100 fly: Leah Shackley (50.95)
2nd- Women's 100 back: Leah Shackley(50.53)
3rd- Women's 100 back: Kennedy Noble (51.29)
3rd- Women's 400 medley relay: Kennedy Noble, Aubree Brouwer, Leah Shackley, Erika Pelaez(3:29.39)
Saturday Morning Session
2nd- Women's 200 back: Leah Shackley(1:50.88)2nd- Men's 200 back: Sasha Zheltiakov (1:40.66)
3rd- Men's 100 free: Kaii Winkler(42.09)
3rd- Women's 200 breast: Lisa Nystrand (2:08.42)
2nd- Men's 1650 free: Lance Norris (14:39.42)
2nd- Men's 400 free relay: Kaii Winkler, Jerry Fox, Luke Miller, Sam Hoover (2:48.51)
3rd-Women's 400 free relay: Cassie Moses, Olivia Nel, Erika Pelaez, Lily Christianson (3:11.83)
#GoPack | @packswimdive
Players Mentioned
