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Cameron Cook at NCAC Championships
Dani Johnson, NCAC

NCAA Championships Preview: Men's Swimming & Diving Trio Set for Indy

| By: Abby Bednar, Graduate Assistant

Three underclassmen are ready to represent JCU on the big stage

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. -- Three Blue Streaks are gearing up for the NCAA Championships in 7 events. 

Jacob Florio, Bart Kubis, and Cameron Cook are ready for the National Championships at IU Natatorium in Indianapolis, Indiana starting Wednesday, March 18. 

"We are excited to watch the guys go out and show the work they have done," says Head Coach Mark de Swardt. "We are looking forward to getting experience for the younger guys and getting through the process of NCAAs."

First year Jacob Florio is leading the pack looking to compete in 3 events. He had qualifying times in 200 IM, 100 Backstroke, and 200 Backstroke. 

Florio shined in the 200 Backstroke, setting a school record with a time of 1:46.64, finishing third in the North Coast Athletic Conference Championships. Florio is seeded at 12th in the psych sheet. The North Royalton native finished fourth in the NCAC championships in 200 IM with a time of 1:48.69 earning him 17th in the seeding. Florio is coming in 26th in the field for 100 Backstroke with a time of 49.02. 

"It has been important that I get proper sleep, I am stretching and eating enough to prepare for nationals," said Florio. "Using my visualization and not overthinking in the moment is the way I can mentally prepare for such a big event."

Junior Bart Kubis had an exceptional season, earning spots in the 200 Breaststroke and 100 Breaststroke. Kubis is returning to the NCAA Championships for the 200 Breaststroke with a school record time of 1:58.11. In mid February, the Park Ridge, Illinois native made history as the first JCU swimmer to claim a NCAC championship. This amazing feat has him sitting sixth on the psych sheet. Kubis earned a time of 55.15 in the NCAC championships in 100 Breaststroke, currently 28th in the field. 

Kubis is familiar with the pressure of the NCAA championships joining last year by competing in 200 Breaststroke and the 200 Medley Relay Team in 2024. 

"To physically get ready for nationals I have been working on rebuilding my base to swim faster in my events," said Kubis. "Also, it has been important to prepare mentally with using visualization, breathing techniques, and mentally relaxing before my events."

Sophomore Cameron Cook is competing in two freestyle swims, being tasked with 100 and 200 Free. Cook finished 3rd in the NCAC championship for 200 Free with a time of 1:37.84 giving him a 16th seed on the psych sheets. The Fredericksburg, Virginia native clocked in at 44.94 in 100 Free, earning fourth place in the NCAC championships, entering 33rd on the psych sheet. 

"Being mentally prepared and getting enough sleep is what is helping me the most to prepare for nationals," said Cook. "It is really helpful for me to not overthink my events and go into it with a calm headspace."

The physical and mental preparation for these athletes is key, especially when going to such a big stage.

"We have been working with the boys after the NCAC championships to build them back up by picking up the intensity of training to help them prepare for nationals," said de Swardt. "Now we are focusing on recovery to let them rest going into NCAAs." 

Whatever the outcome Florio, Kubis, and Cook are looking forward to leaving a legacy and performing well for John Carroll, representing the school and team beyond Indiana. 

"We are doing this for the team and showing how hard we work to get here. It is such an awesome opportunity to swim and make our team proud because we made it to nationals because of our team," said Kubis. 

"It is important to represent what our team is about and give our coaches credit for all they have given us. We are doing this for others to show what they have contributed to make us successful," said Florio. 

"Our motto has been to do it for others and that is what we are going to stick to while at nationals," concluded Cook. 
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