The Valparaiso University men's swimming and diving team opened their 2002-2003 season on Friday evening competing at the Notre Dame Relays.

The men finished in third place in the meet with 112 points. Notre Dame won the event with 220 points, followed by Wisconsin-Milwaukee (158), the Crusaders, and Marquette (74).

The competition gives the Brown and Gold a chance to get in the water and allows the freshmen to get experience with collegiate competition prior to the dual meet season starting in three weeks.

Valpo picked up a pair of second place finishes. The 800 freestyle relay comprised of Ed Chester (Mishawaka, Ind./Mishawaka H.S.), Neal Badgett (Houston, Texas/Strake Jesuit Prep), Sean Conrin (Buffalo Grove, Ill./Buffalo Grove H.S.), and Brent MacDonald (South Bend, Ind./Clay H.S.) touched the wall in 7:56.53.

The 400 breaststroke relay also recorded a runner-up finish. Mike Hermes (Hudson, Ill./U-High), Jeff Ewers (Huntertown, Ind./Carroll H.S.), Bob Schmidt (Lakeville, Minn./Lakeville H.S.), and Patrick Kirby (Danville, Ill./Schlarman H.S.) touched the wall in 4:22.47.

Valpo will return to the pool on October 25 when the Crusaders travel to Indianapolis to compete against IUPUI and Saint Louis.