Season Recap: Men's Swimming

Year No. 4 for the Piedmont University men's swim program combined the first true graduating class of seniors and a strong supporting cast to post one of the best seasons in program history. Behind the leadership of the upperclassmen, the Lions went on to shatter records, dominate the regular season and take home the programs first ever championship title at the Independent South Conference Championships.

The Lions turned in an undefeated fall season, going 6-0 in duals including a dominant 197-74 win over Sewanee.

After rattling off the six dual wins, Piedmont closed the fall season on a high note, taking 1st of 5 at the Igloo Invite while breaking 10 school records in the process. 

The Lions had a rough start to the spring season, dropping back-to-back duals to Union and Berry. Both losses were by 15 points or less.

From there, Piedmont had just one more meet before heading to the Independent South Conference Championships.

Head Coach Teddy Guyer was named Coach of the Year for the third year in a row and collected his 400th career win during the 2023-24 season.

CHAMPIONS: 2024 INDEPENDENT SOUTH CONFERENCE CHAMPS 

At the ISSC meet, the Lions led by just 1 point after Day One over rival Southern Virginia. With a strong Day 2 effort, the Lions pushed the lead to 24 before extending their lead and claiming the title on Day 3. 

Piedmont closed out with a commanding lead, winning by a total of 53 points.

15 Lions earned ISSC All-Conference honors at the meet by finishing in the top five of their respective events. Of the 15 receiving honors, 14 earned recognition in multiple events while three earned all-conference in three events.

Junior Leandro Forero highlighted the list for Piedmont, shattering three individual conference records at the meet while also playing a role in breaking the 800 yard free relay record. Forero claimed the 200 yard free record (1:47.35), 500 yard free record (4:46.84) and the 400 yard IM record (4:21.25). 

He was joined by Glynn Morgan, Murphy O'Brien and Perry Westbrook in the 800 yard free relay where the group set a new conference record time of 7:18.89.

Junior Erick Fortner also broke three individual conference records at the ISSC meet. He claimed the 100 yard breaststroke record (57.89), 200 yard breaststroke record (2:07.22) and the 200 yard IM record (1:59.55).

The team of Ross Coppedge, Jon Brown, Alex Pangelinan and Luke Borgmann broke the 200 yard free relay conference record, posting a final time of 1:28.27.

Brendan Fraher, Josh Martinez, Obed Miranda, Zane Morgan, Brandon Randall and Sam Teed rounded out the all-conference list for the Lions.

In addition to their ISSC All-Conference honors for their efforts in the pool, Erick Fortner, Will Donaldson, Leandro Forero and Brandon Randall also earned CSC Academic All-District recognition.