“My Hero” by the Foo Fighters blared from the sound system at Canham Natatorium before the Michigan men’s swimming and diving team’s season opener Friday. But the song was by no means a predictor for the meet.
No heroes were needed as the Wolverines (1-0) dominated Eastern Michigan (0-1) in every event for a 156 to 80 win.
Michigan had won its season opener for 38 straight years before that streak ended last season against Florida. But the Wolverines have always performed well against the Eagles, and extended their lifetime record against them to 28-0 with the victory.
“This was by far our best first meet since I’ve been here,” Michigan coach Bob Bowman, who is in his fourth season with the Wolverines, said through the athletic department.
Michigan set the tone early by grabbing the top three spots in the first event, the 100-yard backstroke. Sophomore Andre Schultz won with a time of 50.37. It was smooth sailing, or swimming, from that point. The Wolverines won every event and grabbed the top three finishes in a majority of the events.
Freshmen Tyler Clary stole the show, winning three events – the 1,000-yard freestyle, the 200-yard individual medley and the 200-yard backstroke.
“(Winning three events) is almost unheard of for a freshmen,” Bowman said.
Michigan’s next meet will be Oct. 19 versus No. 1 Florida. The Wolverines will look to keep up the confidence they exhibited Friday, and if necessary, they might even pull out a heroic performance or two.