TOWSON, Md. – The Towson University men's swimming and diving team took a significant step forward in 2011-12, winning three meets for the first time since the 2006-07 season. With an influx of young talent, Towson Head Coach Pat Mead guided the team to three wins, including a victory over Mead's alma mater, the University of Delaware.

One of the main reasons for the team's success was the emergence of freshman Matt Lowe, who made an immediate impact in the distance events for the Tigers. Lowe, who originally hails from the Bahamas, was versatile from the start of the season on for Towson. Lowe swam backstroke, butterfly and individual medley events throughout the year, winning the 200-yard individual medley against Old Dominion.

But where Lowe really excelled was in the 500, 1,000 and 1,650-yard freestyle events, pushing record times.

Lowe started to swim personal best times against George Mason, when he finished in second-place in the 500-free with a time of 4.44.93. Lowe would progress in that event as the season wore on, and he finished the year with his best time at the Colonial Athletic Association Championships, a 4:40.98.

“Matt had a great first year and accomplished exactly what we hope for every first year student-athlete,” Mead said.  “His great work ethic and drive allowed him to develop quite quickly and he had a positive impact on our team performance at the end of the season.” 

Even better for Lowe was his progression in the 1,000 and 1,650-freestyle events, where he etched his name in the Towson record books. Lowe earned a second-place finish in the 1,000-freestyle against Johns Hopkins and set a Towson freshman record with his split time of 9:31.14 during the CAA meet.

Lowe's performance at the CAA's in the 1,650-yard freestyle was one to remember, as his time of 15:47.43 placed him third on the Towson all-time list in the event in only his first year competing at the collegiate level.

In April, Lowe returned home to the Bahamas and competed for his country in the 2012 Carifta Swimming Championships, an event for young Caribbean athletes from English speaking nations. Lowe finished second in the 1,500-meter freestyle and 400-meter individual medley at the competition.

Says Mead of his gifted swimmer:  “My expectation is that if he stays motivated and continues to want to learn from the coaching staff, he will be re-writing our record board in the distance events.”