The Oakland swim and dive team held their 40th Annual “Oakland Ray” Alumni Meet at the Oakland Aquatic Center on Saturday, Sept. 30.
Notably, this is the third year the alumni meet has been known as the “Oakland Ray” Alumni Meet. The title of the event serves to honor the late former OU swimming and diving alumnus, Ray Miller.
The event consisted of friendly swim and dive events featuring alums and current OU swim and dive program members.
“It’s what’s all about putting back into the program that you’re a part of,” assistant coach Paul Karas said. “It keeps you connected, and it’s a lot of fun.”
The day’s schedule featured an exciting lineup of events, including a 200 medley relay, 100 free, 50 back, 50 breast, 50 fly, 50 free, 100 IM, and an additional 200 medley relay. Notably, new head coach Mitch Alters competed against his athletes as an alumnus in the final 200-medley relay.
For alums like Brett Larson, who proudly wore the Grizzlies’ black and gold from the fall semester of 2016 through the spring of 2020, this annual reunion holds a special place in their hearts.
“I’ve been graduated for three years, so I’ve come to all three alumni meets,” Larson said. “The reason I keep coming and the reason I’m going to continue coming is because being on the team was the number one influence on my college experience. The friends I made on this team are still my best friends now, and they’re still the people I keep in touch with.”
During his time as a Grizzly, Larson helped contribute to four consecutive Horizon League championships. In the 2019-20 season, Larson had four top-ten finishes.
“Coming back once a year just to remember and pay homage to everything the team has given to me and taught me in the years means a lot to me, and being able to share with my friends and family means a lot to me,” Larson said.
Remarkably, the “Oakland Ray” Alumni Meet concludes the series of three friendlies the Grizzlies have taken part in this month.
Next, the swim and dive team will have their first regular season meet on Friday, Oct. 6, at the Oakland Aquatic Center against the Miami University RedHawks. Karas remains confident despite the women’s team losing last season to the RedHawks.
“It’ll be a good test for some of our new swimmers that are coming in,” Karas said. “Last year, I think the women’s team got an eye opener on what the competition is, and I think they’re ready for a little revenge on the Redhawks.”
Following the meet against the RedHawks, the women’s team will battle the University of Toledo Rockets at home on Friday, Oct. 13. After that, the Grizzlies will hit the road and compete against Purdue University and Rutgers University from Friday, Nov. 3, through Saturday, Nov. 4.
Oakland will continue to participate in sporadic events throughout the next few months as it prepares for the Horizon League championships, which will take place in Feb.
