Johnnies Return to Action at Grace Goblirsch Invitational
The Saint John’s swim and dive team is set to compete this Saturday, Nov. 23, at the Grace Goblirsch Invitational hosted by Gustavus Adolphus. Diving kicks off the event at 10 a.m., followed by swimming events starting at 1 p.m. in St. Peter.
Recent Performance
The Johnnies showcased a dominant performance on Nov. 8, winning 12 of 13 events in a commanding 191-34 dual victory at Hamline. Senior Liam Noble (Plymouth, Minn./Robbinsdale Armstrong) led the way with wins in the 100-yard freestyle (49.18) and 50-yard freestyle (22.21). Junior Brayden Slavik (Green Isle, Minn./Chaska) excelled with victories in multiple events, including the 200-yard freestyle (1:45.26), 500-yard freestyle (4:48.24), and 1,000-yard freestyle (10:12.47).
Freshman Jackson Hovda (Sartell, Minn./Sartell-St. Stephen) delivered a breakout performance, earning wins in the 100-yard breaststroke (1:10.15) and 1,000-yard freestyle (11:28.56).
Sophomore diver Cody Watts (St. Cloud, Minn./Tech), the reigning MIAC Men’s Diver of the Week, secured the 1-meter event title with a score of 217.40.
The team also claimed victories in both the 400-yard freestyle relay (3:21.67) and 400-yard medley relay (3:41.74).
Saturday’s Competitors
The Johnnies and host Gusties will be joined by NAIA Dordt (Iowa), Macalester, and NAIA Morningside (Iowa) at this weekend’s meet.
Last Year’s Invitational Highlights
SJU delivered 21 top-three finishes to secure second place out of four teams at last year’s Grace Goblirsch Invitational. Gustavus claimed first with 1,214.5 points, followed by SJU with 899.
Brayden Slavik earned two individual wins in the 500-yard (4:45.70) and 1,650-yard (16:29.0) freestyles while finishing second in the 400-yard individual medley (4:16.06). Senior Eli Grabinski (Sauk Rapids, Minn./Sauk Rapids-Rice) dominated the diving events, earning first place in both the 1- and 3-meter competitions.
MIAC Standings
The Johnnies boast 33 top-10 times in the MIAC this season, with notable highlights:
- 50-Yard Freestyle: Slavik (2nd, 21.80), Larson and Reuter (t4th, 21.92)
- 100-Yard Freestyle: Larson (1st, 47.51), Kern (4th, 48.66)
- 200-Yard Freestyle: Slavik (1st, 1:45.26), Larson (2nd, 1:45.78)
- 1,000-Yard Freestyle: Slavik (1st, 10:12.47), Larson (2nd, 10:13.50)
- 100-Yard Backstroke: Slavik (1st, 52.82), Noble (5th, 55.61)
The team looks to continue building on its strong early-season performances this weekend.
