The Bucknell men’s swimming & diving Team had a blazing start to their season this past weekend, picking up wins over Loyola and Boston University by scores of 154.5-145.5 and 208-90, respectively in their tri-meet. 

Chris Kopac ’25 was a huge contributor for the Bison, racking up wins in the 200 freestyle, 500 yard freestyle and 400 yard freestyle relay. The former First Team All-Patriot League selection was extremely happy with how the team performed, especially considering that this weekend was the first collegiate meet for 11 of the 28 members of the team. 

“It was a super high stakes meet as Loyola was our biggest rival from last year, and the meet with Boston last year was really close,” Kopac said. “Our coaches had us focus really well, and we were able to execute this weekend.” 

Kopac is 200 freestyle school record holder and has experienced much success already in his short Bucknell career so far. Outside of individual success, Kopac is coming off of great team success with the Bison, as they are coming off of a top three finish at the Patriot League Championship last year. In order to replicate that success, Kopac believes it starts with the expectations the team has for themselves.

“After last year’s success, our coaches want to hold this team to even a higher standard, and that’s great for the team,” he said. “They have done a great job preparing this team for not just replicating, but surpassing the success from last year. We had the highest point total that we have ever had last year, but we want more.”

Despite being a young group, the Bucknell men’s swim & dive team looks to be in a better position than ever. To be able to do what they did was nothing short of impressive and definitely gives the Orange and Blue a huge boost to start the year. 

The team looks to build off this success going into their matchup at Binghamton this Saturday at 1 p.m. If the Bison continue to show the poise they did this weekend, they will be in more than a good position as a team not only this weekend, but for the rest of the year.