The Spartan swimming and diving teams claimed the top spot in the first round of the Greater Cleveland Tournament last weekend at home. They will face off against Oberlin College in the final round this Saturday at the Veale Natatorium.

The teams went up against area rivals John Carroll University and Notre Dame College during their home opening meet. The men and women both ended on top with individual champions in 16 of the 26 events. The Spartans won all four diving events with Daniel Jacobson claiming both men’s prizes and Riki Drout winning the events for the women. Sophomore Rebecca Pakradooni was the only other double event winner for the team, taking the top spot in both the 200-yard freestyle and the 100-yard butterfly races.

The Spartan 200-yard medley relay teams both took the top spot along with winners Sara Tillie for the 50-yard freestyle, Abby Glenn for the 500-yard freestyle, David Merriman in the 1,000-yard freestyle, Scott McHenry in the 200-yard freestyle, Nick Clyde in the 200-yard individual medley, sophomore Aaron Tam in the 100-yard butterfly, Eric Haufler in the 100-yard freestyle and Drew Weibel in the 100-yard backstroke.

Coach Doug Milliken was very pleased with the team’s improvement from last week. “I was really happy with how the team did,” said Milliken. “We came in with a lot more energy and aggression, if you will. We came in ready to race.” Milliken attributes this to the home pool energy and an eagerness to prove themselves in the fresh season. “It created kind of a perfect storm of excitement.”

Both teams look to sweep the Cleveland City tournament with a win versus Oberlin this weekend at home. The meet will determine the Cleveland City champion, which comes with serious bragging rights for the upcoming season. Milliken is optimistic about the team’s chances. “I think we can do better this week. We just need to bring the energy again and swim fast.”