Sioux Falls, S.D. --- Augustana men's swimming and diving team opens up postseason for the first time on Friday in the GLIAC Championships. The four-day event takes place Friday through Monday at Gerstacker Regional Aquatics Center in University Center, Michigan.
 
During this year's championships, there will be no spectators allowed due to pandemic-related issues. All eight sessions will be streamed. Costs will be $ 7.99 per day or $29.99 for the entire four day meet. A link to the video can be found at GoAugie.com/Live.
 
During all four days of the event, the primaries will begin at 9 a.m. The finals beginning at 4:30 p.m.
 
The favorites of the event would be last year's champions, Grand Valley State University. Also competing are Wayne State University, Northern Michigan, St. Cloud State, Saginaw Valley State, Davenport, and Ashland. Grand Valley State is led by sophomore Eric Hieber who last year won the GLIAC Swimmer of the Year and Freshman of the Year. Ondrej Zach of Northern Michigan is also a three-time GLIAC Swimmer of the Week this year.
 
"We are excited to compete in our first GLIAC Championship and are thankful to the GLIAC for giving us an opportunity to race," said Vikings coach Lindsie Micko. "Although our roster will be building for many years, we have individuals capable of competing at a very-high level. I can't wait for our guys to race against some of the best in the country."
 
Pedro Borin has been one of the leaders this year for the Vikings. Borin ranks sixth in the GLIAC for the 50 fly this season, posting a time of 22.89 and the 400 IM with a time of 4:01.66. He is also second in the 100 fly with a time of 48.98 which is in the 'B' qualifying standard. In the 200 fly, Borin, is in third place with a time of 1:50.38.
 
Mason Kauffeld is also somebody to watch for the Vikings. He currently has the seventh best time in the 200 breast (2:04.39). Kauffeld is also in 15^th place in the 100 breast with a time of 58.05.  In the 100 IM he is currently ranks sixth with a time of 54.50. Teammate Juan Salas is currently only one spot behind Kauffeld with a time of 55.71.
 
In the free events, Steven Asmus is currently 15^th with a time of 9:51.08 in the 1,000 free and Aidan McCusteker is in 13^th in the 1,650 free with a time of 16:25.61
 
Jackosn Dircks is 16^th in the 50 back with a time of 24.22 and 12 place in the 200 back with a time of 1:52.95.
 
The top 16 finishes will score team points. The top three finishers in each event will also be named to the all-conference team.