The Middlebury men’s swimming and diving team opens its 2022-23 season on Saturday, November 19 in a meet against Connecticut College. 

The Panthers will return a core of swimmers who had strong seasons in 2021-22, including Riley Griffis. During last year’s NESCAC Championships, Griffis tied the Middlebury 500-yard freestyle school record with a time of 4:31.36. Samuel Hughes will also make his return to the pool this winter. Hughes finished sixth in the 200-yard backstroke during the NESCAC championships. 

Griffis and Hughes were also a part of the 200 and 400-yard free relay team which also included senior captain Aidan McKenrick. The group finished sixth in the event last year, and McKenrick will play a big role in multiple relays teams, swimming in freestyle, butterfly, and individual medley competitions throughout the season. 

On the diving board, Ryan Greguski and captain Jason Rickenbacher will return for the Panthers. Both divers were important contributors for last season’s team, and will compete in both the one-meter and three-meter diving events.

Head coach Bob Rueppel will return to the Middlebury natatorium for his 12th season in charge of the program. He is assisted by Coulter Morrill and Bradley Schott.