In a surprising twist at a NCAA Tournament game, the Miami University Redhawks swim team made headlines for their unusual show of support for the university’s basketball team during their First Four matchup against the Southern Methodist University (SMU) Mustangs. This bold display took place on Wednesday, 18 March, at the University of Dayton Arena, as the swim team donned Speedos to cheer on the basketball players in a bid for victory.
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The swimmers took to the stands in their swimwear, complete with caps and goggles, creating a raucous atmosphere as they aimed to distract the opposing team during key moments of the game. Their presence was particularly impactful when it was reported that SMU’s Corey Washington missed a free throw in the second half, an event that commentators suggested could have been influenced by the swimmers’ antics.
This creative distraction tactic appeared to pay off, with the Redhawks securing an unexpected 89-79 victory over the Mustangs, earning themselves a place in the NCAA Tournament. The win was met with enthusiasm from players and fans alike, with Miami forward Antwone Woolfolk expressing his surprise and delight at the swim team’s participation. “That was elite,” he remarked after the game, highlighting the fun and camaraderie that permeated the event.
Head coach Travis Steele also praised the swimmers for their spirited support. “The whole arena started going bonkers,” he said, recalling the electric atmosphere as the swim team paraded through the venue. Steele noted that Washington’s missed free throw was a particularly amusing moment, expressing gratitude for the swim team’s commitment to rallying for the basketball squad.
The Redhawks basketball team, with notable performances from players like Eian Elmer, who scored 22 points, and Luke Skaljac with 17 points, advanced to the next round with this victory. Guard Trey Perry remarked on the overwhelming support from the audience, characterising the Dayton arena as feeling like a home ground due to the large number of Miami University supporters who made the 60-mile journey from Oxford, Ohio.
The swim team’s willingness to don their Speedos for such a show is not merely a spontaneous event, but has now become a tradition for Miami. The idea originated earlier this year when team members looked for a way to bring excitement and connection to their university while also combating boredom, as swimmer Tegan Barrier noted. Inspired by trends they saw on social media, the team decided to wear their swimsuits to basketball games, a move that was quickly embraced by their coach.
Luke Pugh, another swimmer, shared that the nature of their training made them less inclined to feel embarrassed about the attire. “It’s hard for us to get embarrassed in Speedos because of how much time we spend wearing them in practice,” he explained, suggesting that this playful spirit has added to the vibrancy of Miami’s sporting culture.
With this unique support mechanism in play, the Redhawks not only gained visibility for their swim team but also fostered a sense of unity and enthusiasm across the campus community. The forthcoming matchup against Illinois in the first round of the NCAA Tournament on Friday, 20 March, will undoubtedly test the team further, but the backing from their swim team may just prove to be a lucky charm as they continue their tournament journey.