NEED TO KNOW:
Team Scores: Piedmont 192, Columbia 54
Record: Piedmont, 1-0
Piedmont Individual Wins: 11
Piedmont Relay Wins: 2

TALLULAH FALLS, Ga. - On the day in which it celebrated last season's accomplishment with the presentation of its 2025 Independent South Swimming Conference Championship rings, Piedmont men's swimming picked up where it left off with a dominant win over Columbia College Saturday afternoon.

After the pre-meet festivities concluded, the Lions began the afternoon with an outstanding performance in the 200 medley relay, taking the top three spots, led by the winning team of Reid Barnes, Ryan Smith, Brady Bowman and Henry Rickman.

It set the tone for the afternoon, with the Lions taking the top spot in both relay events and winning all but two individual events, totaling 11 overall.

Six different Lions took home individual event wins, led by the freshman Bowman, who won three times in his debut meet for Piedmont. Bowman touched the wall first in the 50 back, the 100 fly and the 200 IM.

Senior Perry Westbrook picked up where he left off last season, with a strong performance as well, taking the top spot in the 200 and the 500 free. He was dominant in the 500, winning by by over 30 seconds over teammate Carmen Yeager, who took second.

Ryan Smith was a multiple event winner as well, taking the 50 and 100 breast.

Finally, Baden Stewart (50 free), Rickman (100 free) and Preston Allen (50 fly) also took home individual wins.

Up next, the Lions will be back in action at home next Friday, Oct. 10, hosting Warren Wilson at 6:30 p.m.

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