GU Men’s Swimming Team Experiences Setback Against Immaculata in Home Conference Clash

WASHINGTON – The Gallaudet men’s swimming squad of eight went head-to-head against conference rival Immaculata University in a dual meet this past Saturday. Despite strive, paddling, and kicking vigorously for their final home competition of the 2024-2025 season, the Bison (0-9) concluded with a defeat to Immaculata (3-5), 85-61. 

Beginning robustly, the 200-yard medley relay team made up of junior Abdullah Alghamdi (Dammam, Saudi Arabia), first year Josh Rodriguez (Tampa, Fla.), first year Sean Berry (St. Augustine, Fla.), and first year Miguel Pavao (Frederick, Md) secured the Bison their initial gold medal finish in the event (2:28.68). 

Shortly after the first golden finish, they achieved a second and third. In their debut year on the Gallaudet swim roster, Eric Samouski (Rahway, N.J.) and Driss Oukake (Holland, Netherlands) contributed first-place finishes in the 100-yard backstroke (1:22.99) and 100-yard breaststroke (1:30.27), respectively. 

The squad didn’t cease there, continuing to enhance their total score with several swimmers garnering silver and bronze placements as well. 

After the medley relay and claiming a silver finish for his team, Berry completed the 200-yard freestyle in 2:39.35. Close behind was first year teammate Alex Wilding (Santa Fe, N.M.) finishing in third (2:50.26). In the 200-yard IM, Wilding subsequently registered another second-place finish for the squad’s final score clocking in at 3:19.07 along with another in the 100-yard breaststroke (1:32.00). First year Allen Davis (Port St. Lucie, Fla.) finished second in the 500-yard freestyle (9:34.96), adding another silver medal for the bison. Alghamdi contributed points for the team with a third place in the 100-yard freestyle (1:09.32). 

In the concluding race of the day, a team comprising Samouski, Pavao, Davis, and Alghamdi secured the last second-place finish, completing the 200-yard free relay in 2:56.30. 

Immaculata triumphed in 8 of the 11 events.

BISON TRACKS

• Davis secured fourth place in the 50-yard freestyle (31.85).
• Oukake finished fifth in the 50-yard freestyle (37.41) and the 100-yard freestyle (1:26.43).
• Sarnouski placed sixth in the 50-yard freestyle (39.73).
• Berry achieved fourth in the 100-yard freestyle (1:09.51)

UP NEXT
Bison Swim will travel to participate in a double-dual match against Goucher College and McDaniel College in Towson, Md. on Saturday, Jan. 25 at 1:00 P.M.