Somewhere over the Atlantic Ocean, freshman swimmer Lukasz Herbst started to realize the magnitude of leaving his home in Warsaw, Poland and coming to the United States for the first time.

“It’s like a dream,” he said. “I wasn’t sure what to expect.”

In Warsaw, Herbst studied psychology and swam for the Polish National Team.

By Laura Clark Herald reporter Western’s swimming and diving meet against Butler went as planned for coach Bruce Marchionda. The Lady Toppers (2-0) won 147-106 and the Toppers (2-0) won 152-90 at the home meet Saturday. Marchionda said he was able to put swimmers in events he needed to see.

Charlotte Martin stood on the end of the three-meter diving board, wringing her hands. “This is gonna be scary,” she said. “Come on, Char,” yelled her teammates from below. “Lock your arms. Throw from your waist,” diving coach Bob Benson called to her. Another couple of seconds passed before Martin, who said she is somewhat afraid of heights, jumped off the board.

Bruce Marchionda earned his first victory as coach of the men’s and women’s swimming and diving team in the opening match of the season against Delta State Saturday. The women’s team won 123-105, taking first in every event. The men’s team won 114-108. The only events they did not win were the 200- and 500-yard freestyle and 3-meter diving.