The Raleigh Rumble: A Dominant Display by NC State!
The 2025 Raleigh Rumble, a thrilling swimming competition, came to an exciting close on November 8th in Raleigh, North Carolina. The event showcased the talents of top swimmers from NC State, Ohio State, and Virginia Tech, but it was NC State that emerged as the undisputed champion.
A Recap of the Final Day:
But first, let’s set the scene. The second day of the Raleigh Rumble was a showdown between these powerhouse teams, and the pool was buzzing with anticipation.
Women’s Events:
The women’s events kicked off with a bang! In the final round of knockout 50s, NC State’s dominance was on full display as they claimed seven out of eight spots.
- 50 Fly: Tyler Driscoll (23.31) and Erika Pelaez (23.46) secured a 1-2 finish for NC State, with Pelaez narrowly missing her round one time of 23.18.
- 50 Back: Leah Shackley took the top spot in 23.55, leaving Kennedy Noble in second (24.13).
- 50 Breast: Eneli Jefimova, a Wolfpack freshman, won in 26.43, just a tenth off her school record set in round one. Ohio State’s Maria Ramos Najji gave a valiant effort, finishing second in 27.22.
- 50 Free: Cassie Moses claimed victory in 22.08, with Lily Christianson close behind in 22.31.
Ohio State’s Mila Nikanorov shone in the 500 freestyle, winning in 4:42.52, but NC State’s Pelaez struck back in the 200 free with a time of 1:44.83, outpouching Ohio State’s Rachel Bockrath (1:45.38).
The 200 medley relay saw NC State’s Shackley, Jefimova, Pelaez, and Moses combine for a win in 1:35.02.
In the women’s 200 IM, NC State swept the top three spots: Kennedy Noble (1:56.85), Lisa Nystrand (1:57.96), and Teia Salvino (1:59.10).
The meet concluded with the 400 freestyle relay, where NC State’s Moses, King, Christianson, and Pelaez touched first in 3:13.23, leaving Ohio State in their wake.
Men’s Events:
The men’s events were equally thrilling, with each team securing victories.
- 50 Fly: Ohio State’s Matthew Klinge (20.37) edged out NC State’s Aiden Hayes (20.46) for the win.
- 50 Back & 50 Breast: NC State’s Quintin McCarty (20.88) and Arsen Kozhakhmetov (24.03) claimed victories, showcasing their team’s depth.
- 50 Free: Virginia Tech’s Brendan Whitfield (19.11) took the win, with NC State’s Jerry Fox (19.25) close behind.
In the 200 freestyle, NC State’s Kaii Winkler (1:32.51) led a team sweep, followed by teammates Daniel Diehl (1:34.75) and Jerry Fox (1:34.77).
The men’s 200 medley relay saw NC State’s Hudson Williams, Kozhakhmetov, Hayes, and Drew Salls dominate with a time of 1:23.63.
Max Carlsen continued NC State’s winning streak in the 500 freestyle (4:16.62), with teammate Mikolaj Filipiak in second (4:19.04).
Daniel Diehl secured another NC State victory in the 200 IM (1:43.45), beating Ohio State’s Tristan Jankovics.
The meet concluded with the men’s 400 freestyle relay, where NC State’s Winkler, Fox, Salls, and Williams sealed their dominance with a time of 2:48.26.
Looking Ahead:
NC State and Virginia Tech will soon clash again at the Wolfpack Elite Invite, while Ohio State will host their midseason invite. The swimming world eagerly awaits these upcoming battles!
But here’s a question for you: Do you think NC State’s dominance is a sign of things to come, or will the other teams rise to challenge them? Share your predictions in the comments below!