Euan MacLeod Celebrates 2025 with a Splash: Crowned MEC Male Swimmer of the Week for the Third Time!

Wheeling, W. Va. – The Wheeling University Men’s Swimming squad welcomed the new year with their yearly Winter Training Trip to Clearwater, Florida. Following a week of rigorous training, the team showcased their abilities in dual meet competition against Lenoir-Rhyne, where they executed several impressive swims. Freshman Euan MacLeod was recognized for his performance at the event, being awarded the Mountain East Conference’s (MEC) first Male Swimmer of the Week, presented by The Healthplan, for the 2025 segment of the season. 

Although the final score was not in their favor, the Cardinals had numerous commendable swims throughout the day, securing one gold medal, two silver medals, and a bronze medal. Their achievements continued in the relay competitions, with the 200-Yard Medley Relay squad clinching the additional gold medal of the day while the 200-Yard Freestyle Relay team acquired the second silver medal of the meet. This marked the second consecutive season that the Cardinals faced off against Lenoir-Rhyne, and despite losing as a team 136-47, they are eager and prepared to contend in the final stretch of the MEC season. MacLeod emerged as the leading swimmer for the Cardinals during the event, securing two silver medals while also being a member of the gold medal Relay team.

Before he entered the pool for the individual events, MacLeod took on the role of the initial leg for the 200-Yard Medley Relay. He commenced with a powerful performance, achieving a 24.24 split, assisting the team in clinching gold with a total time of 1:40.42. As he jumped into the water for the individual events, MacLeod continued to display his prowess in the short distance categories, competing in both the 50 and 100-Yard Freestyles. The 50-Yard Freestyle was the first event, and MacLeod raced tightly against Lenoir-Rhyne’s Renato Herran. Ultimately, he placed second with a time of 21.97, finishing just .06 seconds shy of the lead. In the 100-Yard Freestyle, MacLeod raced alongside teammate Sarp Killic. Once again, MacLeod secured second place, achieving a time of 49.64 to earn his second silver medal of the day and his third medal overall.

For MacLeod, this marked his third MEC Male Swimmer of the Week accolade of the season, bringing the count of Wheeling University Athletes acknowledged to 28 this season. MacLeod’s achievement is the fifth for the Wheeling Men’s Swim program, with Evan Yost and Arvid Hoglund each receiving awards in earlier matches this season. Additionally, MacLeod’s award is the inaugural MEC Player of the Week recognition for the Cardinals in 2025, with the last honor going to Wheeling Men’s Basketball player Sean Ealy on December 16th, 2024.

Euan MacLeod and the Wheeling Men’s Swimming team will return to competition on Saturday, January 18th, when they host Fairmont State, with the first swims beginning at 1 PM.