The 2026 Eddie Reese Showdown: Session 1 Recap, Ksawery Masiuk Makes NCAA Debut
The 2026 Eddie Reese Showdown kicked off with an exciting preview of the upcoming NCAA season, as Polish World's Medalist Ksawery Masiuk made his highly anticipated NCAA debut. Masiuk, who originally committed to NC State in 2022, decided to take an Olympic redshirt year and defer his enrollment until after the 2024 Paris Olympics. However, in April 2023, he changed his mind and opted to stay home, choosing to continue training with his longtime coach.
In September 2024, Masiuk announced his commitment to the Texas men's team for January 2025, but this enrollment was also deferred due to formalities. Finally, he arrived on campus earlier this month and made his swimming debut on Friday morning.
Masiuk's first race was the 50 butterfly, where he swam a strong 20.91, securing 5th place overall. He also contributed to the Texas 200 free relay, splitting 19.28, and the 'B' 400 medley relay, finishing with a split of 45.73. Masiuk's performance in the backstroke events, where he is a World Championship medalist, is expected to be a highlight of the Showdown.
Hubert Kos, who took the first semester off, made his season debut for the Longhorns, racing in the World Cup and U.S. Open, and breaking SCM World Records in the 100 and 200 backstroke. He swam the 50 back, touching in 20.98, finishing second behind Texas teammate Will Modglin's 20.75.
The morning session featured several 50-stroke events, which are not NCAA or conference events, along with the 400 IM and various relay races. The women's team showcased their strength, leading the competition with 257 points, followed by Louisville with 249 points, and Ohio State with 227 points.
In the women's events, Louisville won the 200 free relay, the 50 breast, and the 400 medley relay. Texas's Eva Okaro, Lucy Mehraban, Lillie Nesty, and Erin Gemmell made up the 'A' relay, while Caroline Larsen, Julia Dennis, Julie Mishler, and Ella Welch formed the Louisville team.
Texas's Campbell Stoll claimed the top time in the 400 IM with 4:05.79, outperforming OSU's Paige Delma by over four seconds. Angie Coe secured the third position for Texas with her 4:10.49.
The women's 50 fly saw Texas's Eva Okaro triumph with a time of 23.35, narrowly beating Louisville's Caroline Larsen by 0.17 seconds. Lillie Nesty finished third for Texas in 23.57.
In the 50 backstroke, Louisville's Camille Murray and Julie Mishler claimed the top two spots, while Texas's Emma Kern finished third in 24.65.
The morning session concluded with the 400 medley relay, which Louisville won with a new season best of 3:27.40. Texas finished second, and Ohio State took third place.
The men's team dominated the competition, leading with 256 points, followed by Louisville with 215 points, and Ohio State with 159 points. Louisville's 200 free relay team, consisting of Nikita Sheremet, Charlie Crush, Aiden Musso, and Guy Brooks, set the pace with a time of 1:16.33.
Texas's relay teams showcased their strength, finishing second in the 200 free relay and the 400 medley relay. The men's 50 breaststroke saw Nate Germonprez and Campbell McKean secure the top two spots, while Finnley Conklin finished third for Louisville.
The men's 50 fly was won by Ohio State's Matthew Klinge, with Garrett Gould from Texas finishing second. Louisville's Aiden Musso took third place.
In the men's 400 IM, Rex Maurer claimed the top spot with a time of 3:41.17, followed by Louisville's Jackson Millard in second. Tristan Jankovics from Ohio State finished third.
The men's meet concluded with Texas's 'A' team, consisting of Will Modglin, Nate Germonprez, Hubert Kos, and Garrett Gould, swimming a remarkable 3:03.03, three seconds ahead of the 'B' team's 3:06.11.
