The Iowa men’s swim team came out strong in its first meet of the season Thursday night against Wisconsin, defeating the Badgers, 230.5-63.5, at the University of Wisconsin’s Natatorium.

The Black and Gold jumped to a 45-10 lead after seven events, and it was all Iowa from then on. Iowa had a lead of 121-26 after going on another seven-event win streak.

Iowa head swimming and diving coach Marc Long said he was excited with the way everyone on the squad performed in its first competition of the season.

"Everybody across the board were contributors," Long said. "Everybody raced well, [and] there were some impressive races. That’s why we came here: To race."

Senior all-American Ryan Phelan was perhaps the most impressive swimmer for the Hawkeyes; he broke a pool record in the 50 freestyle in the 50-year-old pool at Wisconsin.

Long said the impressive effort put forth by his squad gives him extra incentive to be excited about to future meets, including the Big Ten meet.

"We’re looking forward to host Michigan State next week [Oct. 29] ," he said. "I’m also excited to see what we can do in February and March [when the Big Ten and NCAA championships are held]."

— by Ben Ross