Arizona Men’s Swimming Team: Maintaining Talent Amid Major Changes
After Historic Victory, Arizona State Faces Significant Changes
Following Arizona State University’s historic win in men’s swimming, the team faces notable changes as head coach Bob Bowman departs to lead the men’s swimming program at the University of Texas. Despite losing leadership and talent, the Sun Devils still have a strong core team ready to defend their national title.
A New Era Begins, New Beginnings
Just two days after Arizona State clinched their first national championship, Bob Bowman’s departure left a significant void. Major stars like Leon Marchand and Hubert Kos, both Olympic gold medalists, followed Bowman to Texas, along with other notable swimmers such as Owen McDonald and Zalan Sarkany. However, the program quickly promoted assistant coach Herbie Behm to head coach, ensuring continuity and stability. Behm, a former Arizona State swimmer, played a key role in developing the team into national contenders.
Building Depth for Success, Strength from Within
While star power is crucial in collegiate swimming, depth is equally important for a team’s success. Under Behm’s leadership, Arizona State showcased its strength by finishing in the top three in every relay event at the 2024 NCAA Championships. As the team gears up for the upcoming season, expectations are high, with a strong focus on repeating their championship success in March 2025. The challenges ahead are substantial, particularly with the departure of key athletes.
A Strong Start to the Season Amid Changes
Despite the changes, Arizona State remains undefeated in dual meets this fall, delivering strong performances against top teams, including a notable win over NC State. This victory was especially impressive as NC State is a powerhouse in collegiate swimming. Arizona State’s recent triumph over Cal, a team consistently ranked among the nation’s top two, further solidifies their competitive edge. The Sun Devils secured victory with a score of 210-143, demonstrating their ability to compete at the highest level.
Spotlight on Ilya Kharun
Central to Arizona State’s success is standout swimmer Ilya Kharun, the returning NCAA champion in the 200-yard butterfly. As a sophomore, Kharun made waves by earning a bronze medal in the butterfly at the Paris Olympics. His performances this season have been exceptional, with times of 43.95 in the 100-yard butterfly and 1:38.74 in the 200-yard butterfly, both very close to his winning times from last year’s championship.
Rising Stars and New Talent
The Sun Devils’ freestyle team is led by Jonny Kulow, who placed seventh in the 50-yard freestyle and thirteenth in the 100-yard freestyle at last year’s NCAA Championships. Kulow came close to qualifying for the finals at the U.S. Olympic Trials, showcasing his potential this season. Additionally, Kharun, Kulow, and Patrick Sammon currently hold the top three positions in the national rankings in the 100-yard freestyle.
Newcomer Lucien Vergnes, a European junior champion, adds further excitement to the team. While he may not replicate Marchand’s immediate impact, Vergnes has already proven his ability. He led the medley relay with a time of 20.88 seconds in the 200-yard medley relay against Cal and Stanford, and he won the 100-yard backstroke with a time of 45.32 seconds.
The Journey Ahead Awaits the Players
Despite the loss of their head coach and key athletes, the Arizona men’s swimming team remains a formidable force in collegiate swimming. The leadership of Herbie Behm and the emergence of new talent within the program promise a competitive season ahead. As the Sun Devils aim for another national championship, their depth and determination will be crucial in overcoming the challenges of the upcoming year. With a strong start and a talented lineup, Arizona State is poised to make waves in the world of collegiate swimming.