IRVINE, Calif. – 467 days. That's how long it had been since the Concordia University Irvine men's and women's swim and dive teams were able to compete in front of spectators.
 
Saturday's Green vs. Gold Intrasquad Meet over at Portola High School not only ended that drought, but included some fantastic performances with 59 of 60 team members participating.
 
The day featured the Eagles split up into two squads that were drafted and placed into events ahead of time by the captains. The "Mean Green" were captained by Alicia Wintermeyer, Halliona Bacon and Ryan Martines, and they ultimately defeated the "Golden Girls" which were helmed by Faith Silzel and Braeden Glor. Green won 214-184 over Gold to earn bragging rights until next year.
 
Freshman Sara Jones turned in an impressive day in the pool by winning the 100 free with a personal record by 1.4 seconds (53.95). She also won the 50 fly, and in doing so, she remarkably moved into the top ten in that event in CUI history with the tenth-best time!
 
CLICK HERE for VIDEO of Sara Jones reflecting on her first Green vs Gold experience!
 
Fellow freshman Ryan Burke (57.68) and sophomore Georgia Caraway (58.56) placed first and second in the 100 fly with both posting PRs.  Those times rank them No. 5 and no. 7 all-time in CUI history!  Burke also won the 500 (5:20.95).
 
Freshman Ellie Hardey won the 100 breast (1:08.0) and 200 IM (2:11.0).  Both swims rank her 9th all-time in CUI history.
 
Senior Faith Silzel chased Ellie to the wall in the 200 IM (2:11.34) for a second place finish that was just 0.4 seconds off her own personal record. Senior All-American Katelyn Thomas and Georgia Caraway went 1-2 in the 100 back (59.1, 59.7), with Silzel coming in third place.
 
Sophomore Hailey Garcia won the 50 free (quick 24.75) and was second in the 100 to Jones (54.01).  That 50 is now the tenth-fastest in CUI history.
 
Freshman Amelia Brady went under two minutes in the 200 free, winning in a 1:59.65 while holding off a charging Breckynn Willis (2:01.65).

For some pictures from the Green vs Gold Meet CLICK HERE to go to our @cuieagles Instagram page!

On the men's side, a tremendous group of freshmen announced their arrival.
 
Jack Harris won the 50 and 100 breaststrokes with times of 26.85 and 58.95 seconds. Lanis Webb won the 50 and 100 backstrokes (25.14-53.65). Freshman Jayden Hernandez won the 100 butterfly (51.37) and Kyle Stocek won the 200 free (1:45.33).
 
First-year swimmer Thatcher Grooms also won the 100 IM (54.61) and led off the medley relay with the fastest split on the team (24.56).  Anchoring the victorious Green relay was senior Tim Townsend who blasted a come-from-behind 21.1 freestyle split.
 
Senior All-American Kyle Benjamin powered to a win in the 200 IM (1:57.14)
 
Meanwhile, freshman Jonah Pohlmann won the 500 free (4:48.20) as sophomore Jon Sutherlin (4:55.77) and freshman Kyle Stocek (4:59.87) also dipped under 5:00.
 
The sophomores had a good showing overall as Christopher Haygood won the 50 and 100 free, Nic Depner won the 50 butterfly and Sutherlin placed second in the 200 free (1:47.34).
 
CLICK HERE for VIDEO of Chris Haygood reflecting on a fun day in the pool!
 
"It was really exciting to see such fast times only four weeks into the season," said CUI head coach Bert Bergen, who also served as PA announcer for the annual tradition.  "It's a competitive group and seeing them cheer and support each other regardless of team affiliations is encouraging and a great sign.  I'm really looking forward to seeing where this group can go."  
 
The Eagles travel to Sacramento this coming weekend to swim in the inaugural North State Invitational at the Elk Grove Aquatic Center. 
 
The first meet of the year starts Saturday, Oct. 2 at 9:00 a.m. up north!

CLICK HERE for the full CUI swimming and diving schedule!