Texas A&M Kicks Off Anderson Era at SMU Classic

DALLAS – The Texas A&M swimming & diving program is set to begin its 2024-25 campaign at the Robson & Lindsey Aquatic Center & Barr-McMillion Natatorium for the SMU Classic, running Oct. 11-12. The meet will mark the team's first as a combined program and under the leadership of Director of Swimming & Diving Blaire Anderson. 

The SMU Classic will feature eight swimmers and one diver from each competing university. Events are held in two heats with one swimmer from each school in each heat. Divers will compete on the 1-meter and 3-meter springboards.  

The Aggies will be joined by top-25 programs Auburn, Louisville, USC and Virginia Tech to round out the field of competition. 

Competing on the men's side will be Ben Scholl, Collin Fuchs, Clayton Conklin, Alex Sanchez, Munzy Kabbara, Baylor Nelson, Jacob Wimberly, Thomas Shomper and diver Leo Garcia.  

Jacob Wimberly, a freshman, and diver Leo Garcia, a transfer, are set to make their first appearances as Aggies. 

Making the trip for the women will be Jordan Buechler, Bobbi Kennett, Kaitlyn Owens, Chloe Stepanek, Olivia Theall, Giulia Goerigk, Katie Walker, Hayden Miller and diver Mayson Richards. Of the nine competitors for the women, seven were All-Americans and all nine competed at NCAA Championships last season. 

Nelson will lead the charge after a dominant 2023-24 season that saw the junior earn the Commissioner's Trophy for the second straight season at SEC Championships for his gold medal performances in both IM events and a silver medal in the 200 breast. Nelson posted a 3:37.46 to set a new school record and place third overall in the 400 IM at NCAA Championships. Sanchez returns to the team after collecting All-America honors in the 200 breast and as a member of both medley relays. The fifth-year from Plano, Texas also added three medals at SECs, including a gold medal after lowering the school record in the 200 breast (1:50.36). 

The women's team is led by Stepanek, a 13-time All-American who added two individual All-America distinctions in the 100 free (47.98) and 200 free (1:42.96) at NCAA Championships last year. Stepanek, Goerigk, Miller, Kennett and Theall collected bronze medals at SEC Championships last season, where the team placed third overall. 

Competition will begin at 6 p.m. Friday and continue at 11 a.m. Saturday. Results can be found here and a live stream can be found here. 

Visit 12thman.com for more information on Texas A&M swimming & diving. Fans can keep up to date with the Aggies Facebook, Instagram, and on X by following @AggieSwimDive.