Michael Faughnan closed out his Iona swimming career in splashing style winning his second national title in two nights by taking gold in the 200-yard Backstroke at National Invitational Championship Meet in Ocala, Florida. Along the way he helped the team to a thirteenth place finish in the 48 team championship, up from 18^th in 2024.
 
In the 200-Back, Faughnan held off a late charge from Ohio State University's Martin Perecinsky by .09 to touch the wall first at 1:42.22. The time was just off his MAAC and Iona record of 1:41.64.
 
"Michael has been on an amazing run this season and has been relentless in his drive to achieve at every practice and in every race and has elevated himself and teammates," commented Coach Nick Cavataro. "He has been remarkable to coach and watch, not only for our staff, but teammates."
 
Later in the session Faughnan anchored the 400-yard Freestyle team of Kieran Egan (45.21); Nate Wales (45.16); Liam Pyatt (45.24) with a 43.37 leg for a final time of 2:58.98 and fourteenth place.
 
The final standings had Ohio State winning with 843.50-points, followed by Queens (652.50), Grand Canyon (632.5) and Utah (632); Kentucky (610.5); and George Washington (401) in the top six spots.
 
Full Results can be found at https://www.cscaa.org/nic with a live stream athttps://www.youtube.com/@FASTFlorida/streams