Red Wave swimmer sets HSU record; two in position for nationals

By CHASE HARTSELL | HSU Sports Information

CLEVELAND, Mississippi — Oskar Cebula set a new school record Tuesday and two Red Wave men put themselves in position for a spot at nationals during the first day of competition at the 2025 NSISC Championships.

Competing in a time trial, Cebula completed the 100 Yard Breaststroke event in an HSU-record 53.67 seconds. That time currently ranks 16th in the nation, meaning that the Wroclaw, Poland, native is in a prime position to earn an invitation to the NCAA Division II National Championships next month.

Patryk Dabrowski — also from Wroclaw, Poland — raced in a 100 Yard Freestyle time trial, finishing in 43.78 seconds. His time puts him at No. 18 on the national leaderboard for the event, meaning that he, too, is in position for an invite to nationals.

Both the women’s and men’s teams competed in an 800 Yard Freestyle Relay on the opening night of the meet. The Red Wave team of Daniela Ruiz, Emilee Rogers, Tayden Drake, and Valerie Grigar posted a time of 7:58.94 to finish fourth in the women’s race. Nojus Skirutis, Tate Sloan, Colin Candebat, and Zach Ponder took third in the men’s race with a time of 6:35.94.

These were the team standings at the conclusion of competition on Monday night:

Women

1. West Florida – 58 points
2. Delta State – 48 points
3. Ouachita Baptist – 44 points
4. Henderson State – 30 points

Men

1. Ouachita Baptist – 58 points
2. Delta State – 48 points
3. Henderson State – 44 points

Wednesday, Feb. 19, marks the second day of the 2025 NSISC Championships. Prelim races will begin at 10 a.m., with diving prelims taking place at 1 p.m. Finals will start at 5 p.m.