CHRISTIANSBURG, Va. – Freshman Matt Johnson set a new varsity record in the 1,000-yard freestyle, leading VMI men's swimming and diving at its season opener, the Virginia Tech Swimming Challenge, contested Friday in Christiansburg, Va. The Keydets dropped both ends of the scored events, losing to North Carolina 300-47 and falling to the Hokies 294-51.

Johnson finished sixth in the 1,000 free record-setting performance, clocking in at 10:03.96 to best James Goodwillie '12's former record of 10:04.89. It was a late-race push that made the difference for Johnson, as he swam a 30.27 and 29.26 in his final two 50-yard split times. That was after having gone no faster than a 30.52 since his 450-yard split.

In other results, the Keydet “A” 400 free relay team – Christian Shaner, Jeff Whiteman, Christian Rowcliffe and Connor McMahon - clocked in at 3:19.37 to finish sixth. The time was some six seconds faster than any 400 free relay time, prior to the CCSA Championships, that the Keydets posted last season.

McMahon was in action in two individual events as well, finishing 9th in both the 50 and 100 free, while multiple freshman joined Johnson in making their collegiate debuts. Those included John Kim (9th in 50 back and 200 back) and Drake Michalzuk (9th in 200 free and 7th in 500 free), among others.

VMI men's swimming and diving will return to action Oct. 19, as the Keydets open their home schedule by playing host to Howard at Clark King Pool. The meet is scheduled to get underway at 1 p.m.