I attended the meet and was able to witness a number of terrific mid-season performances by both the Cal men and women swimmers. The weather was somewhat chilly and breezy, which is not normally conducive to fast times. The swimmers were suited in their racing gear but many of the Cal men were showing plenty of facial hair.
On tne men's side, I paid attention to the latest additions to the roster, French Olympion Mewen Tomac, and retiurning grad student Lucas Henveax, who competed for Belgium at the Paris Olympics. Henveaux, who has enjoyed great success after swimming for Cal in the 2022/2023 season, won his two individual events, setting a pool record in the 500 free and outracing Robin Hanson and Jack Alexy. Tomac, who finished 4th in the 200 back in Paris, had a more subdued debut, posting times well outside of NCAA qualification. However, I believe Tomac's recent times he swam at Short Course Swimming Championships this past Decembers can be used to qualify for NCAAs, and his converted 200 back time (1:42.77 converts to 1:39.59) should easily earn him a spot.
I also noted the absence of Keaton Jones, as he is certainly a key member of the team. Frank Applebaum, our D3 transfer was also MIA.
The addition of Henveaux and Tomac certainly improve Cal's championship odds, but Texas and Indiana are likely to remain the favorites. It should be a compelling championship in March.
https://swimswam.com/lucas-henveaux-rips-pool-record-411-1-500-fr-in-return-to-cal-golden-bears-roll-usc/
