Leigh Ann Dressel sets new school record in 100m chest
The Florida Tech swim team opened its 2024-25 season Friday afternoon against Florida Southern at the Panther Aquatic Center. (Florida Institute of Technology image)
BREVARD COUNTY • MELBOURNE, Fla. – The Florida Tech swim team opened its 2024-25 season Friday afternoon with a duel meet against Florida Southern at the Panther Aquatic Center.
The Panther girls pushed the Moccasins to the final event, falling just short, 125-136, while the boys’ strong performance was overturned by FSC, 103-159.
Female athletes to watch
Leigh Ann Dressel set a new school record in the 100 breast with a time of 1:03.84, beating her closest competitor by almost four seconds.
Freshman Melissa Zucco made a first impression by winning the 100 back with a time of 58.14 seconds, 1.23 seconds ahead of second place, earning her first win in the Crimson & Gray. Zucco also won the 200 back with a time of 2:07.54, giving him a two-second lead over second place.
Deborah Xavier took first place in the 50 free with a time of 24.68 seconds, edging her closest competitor by 0.13 seconds. She then further improved her record by winning the 100 free that day with a score of 53.87.
In the 200-meter medley relay, Zucco, Dressel, Cristina Ramirez, and Xavier clocked a time of 1:45.73 to open the event with a victory for the Tech team.
Men’s notable players
Freshman Efe Ongoren made his Florida Tech debut, winning the 200 free (1:38.71) and 500 free (4:36.13). In the 200 free, he finished more than 6 seconds behind second place, and in the 500 free he finished more than 10 seconds behind the closest runner.
Dan Kunin also competed in a double act, winning the 200 breast (2:10.31) and 200 IM (1:56.97).
Jay Jay Fonot won the 200 fly with a time of 1:52.39, 0.50 seconds behind second place, earning his 14th career victory.
Zachary Reese took the 200 back and picked up his fourth career win thanks to finishing in 1:54.24, 0.74 ahead of his closest competitor.
Coach’s Corner:
Head coach Tony Marleneanu said of the team’s overall performance to start the season: Of course, this was a change for everyone, so it was a little hard to adjust to it, but I’m proud of them. They have been working hard in practice, but then the hurricane happened.
It’s great to be able to swim this fast this early in the season. We set school records and earned NCAA B cut times twice (100 breast points for Dressel and 200 free points for Ongoren). I’m very satisfied. ”
On how the team dealt with the uncertainty of a week off due to Hurricane Milton: “Some guys missed a whole week of training because of the hurricane, but it affected everyone differently. Some people get better after a little rest, some people don’t feel so good, but we had great swims and I like the attitude and how they’re cheering each other on and helping each other out. I like it.”
On learning more about the team in his first season: “I knew they were talented and they practiced hard, so I knew what they were like. We had a very talented team and everyone was ready to compete to find their place as it was one of the events starting in late September/early October. I’m very, very excited for this year. Today I was convinced that what I believed about them was correct.”
What’s next: The Panthers are back in action next Saturday, Oct. 26, against Rollins at Alfond Swimming Pool, scheduled to start at 12 p.m.
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