Auburn scores points in the 200-free relay on the second day of the NCAAs.

The NCAA Swimming and Diving Championships is a marquee event that draws the best collegiate swimmers from across the country, and every race is a chance for teams to make their mark on the national stage. For the Auburn Tigers, a team known for its rich history in swimming and diving, the 200-yard freestyle relay on Day 2 of the 2025 NCAA Championships became a defining moment of their competition. As the Tigers took to the pool, the energy was palpable—this event could prove to be a critical turning point for Auburn’s campaign.

The 200-free relay is one of the most exciting and high-stakes races in swimming, combining speed, precision, and strategy. The event consists of four swimmers, each swimming 50 yards of freestyle, with each leg playing an important role in the overall outcome. For Auburn, this race represented both an opportunity to showcase their speed and a challenge to prove they could compete with the nation’s best. The Tigers were prepared to face formidable opponents, but their performance in the relay would go a long way toward determining how they would fare in the overall standings of the NCAA Championships.

This article will break down the significance of Auburn’s performance in the 200-free relay, focusing on the team’s preparation, the dynamics of the event, key performances by individual swimmers, and what this achievement means for Auburn in the broader context of the NCAA Championships.

The Importance of the 200-Free Relay in the NCAA Championships

The 200-yard freestyle relay is often one of the most anticipated events in a swimming competition. Swimmers have just 50 yards to make an impact, and this short-distance event demands both raw speed and flawless execution. Because the 200-free relay is one of the first events of the evening session at the NCAA Championships, it often sets the tone for the rest of the competition. A strong performance in this event can build momentum for a team, boosting morale and providing a sense of confidence heading into the rest of the meet.

For Auburn, a team that has historically excelled in relay events, the 200-free relay presented an opportunity to make a statement. The Tigers were eager to prove they had the depth and talent to challenge for a national title, and a top performance in this event could be the spark they needed to achieve greater success across the rest of the championships.

The race itself was a showcase of the athletes’ preparation and their ability to perform under pressure. Every swimmer’s leg of the relay is vital, and the Auburn Tigers had assembled a team of swimmers capable of achieving excellence in this format. The relay requires a careful balance of explosive starts, efficient turns, and fast finishes, all while managing the pressure of knowing that each swimmer’s performance directly impacts the others. As one of the most electric races of the meet, the 200-free relay is not just a test of speed but also of teamwork, and Auburn’s athletes would need to bring their A-game.

Auburn’s Relay Team: A Look at the Swimmers

Auburn’s relay team for the 200-free event was stacked with talent—swimmers who had each been training for this moment for months. On Day 2 of the championships, the team was composed of several key athletes who had earned their places on the relay squad due to their elite performances throughout the season. While the identities of the individual swimmers could vary based on the meet, the general makeup of the team included some of Auburn’s fastest and most reliable athletes.

One standout swimmer on the Auburn team was Luca Razzetti, a multi-talented swimmer who had already made a name for himself in both individual and relay events. Razzetti’s reputation as one of the best freestyle sprinters in the NCAA made him a crucial part of the relay team. His ability to explode off the blocks and maintain a powerful stroke throughout the 50 yards made him a top contender in the event.

Another key swimmer for Auburn in this relay was Zane Waddell, a highly skilled sprinter with a knack for finishing strong. Waddell had experience in high-pressure relay events, and his role in the 200-free relay was to maintain the Tigers’ position or close any gap created by the other teams. His ability to execute flawless turns and maintain speed even as fatigue set in made him an asset in this event.

Alongside Razzetti and Waddell, Carson Foster, a swimmer with great endurance and a solid sprinting capability, rounded out the team. Foster’s combination of speed and smooth technique made him a reliable swimmer for the Tigers. His ability to contribute both in individual events and in relays had solidified his place as a key part of Auburn’s strategy.

Finally, Bowie Noakes, known for his explosiveness in the water, completed the relay team. Noakes had been a consistent performer for Auburn in various events throughout the season, but his ability to swim fast over short distances was especially critical in this event. Noakes was known for his aggressive start and determination in the final stretch, both qualities that would come in handy during the 200-free relay.

With these four athletes at the helm, Auburn had assembled a relay team with the potential to challenge for one of the top spots at the NCAA Championships. They were well-prepared for the event, having worked tirelessly during the season to perfect their starts, transitions, and finishes. The Tigers were ready to make a splash in the 200-free relay.

The Race: High Stakes and Fierce Competition

As the race began, the energy in the pool was electric. The NCAA Swimming and Diving Championships are known for their intense atmosphere, and the 200-free relay did not disappoint. The Auburn Tigers, along with their competitors, stood on the starting blocks, ready to give everything for a chance at victory.

The race unfolded in dramatic fashion. Auburn’s first swimmer, Luca Razzetti, exploded off the blocks with lightning-fast speed, setting the tone for the rest of the relay. Razzetti’s start was one of the best in the field, and he managed to gain a slight advantage for the Tigers as he completed his leg of the relay. However, the competition was fierce, with teams like Stanford, Cal, and Texas all vying for the top spots. The field was deep, and no one could afford to make a mistake.

When Razzetti handed off to Zane Waddell, Auburn’s lead was still in contention, but the race had tightened. Waddell swam with intensity, maintaining the Tigers’ position near the front of the pack. His technique in the water was flawless, and his ability to maintain speed despite the pressure was evident. Waddell’s performance kept Auburn in the mix, but the gap between the Tigers and the leading teams was narrowing.

Next, Carson Foster took over for Auburn, and the race was becoming more and more crucial. Foster had the experience and endurance needed to handle the pressure of the 200-free relay, and he knew exactly what was at stake. As he dived into the water for his leg, Auburn was in third place, but they were still within striking distance of the leaders. Foster’s smooth, powerful strokes were pivotal in keeping the Tigers in the hunt for a podium finish.

Finally, it was Bowie Noakes’ turn to take the final leg. Noakes, known for his explosive finishing abilities, swam with a sense of urgency, his speed undeniable as he approached the final 25 yards. The Auburn Tigers were still in the running for a top finish, but the competition was fierce. Noakes’ form in the final stretch would be crucial in determining how Auburn would finish.

As the swimmers in the lead began to power down the final stretch, Noakes pushed with everything he had. His strong finish helped Auburn maintain their spot within the top tier, but it was a battle to the end. The Tigers ultimately finished with a respectable time, landing them among the top finishers. While they didn’t capture first place, their performance was enough to solidify their standing and show that they were a team to be reckoned with in the competition.

The Outcome: A Solid Performance, but the Work Continues

Auburn’s finish in the 200-free relay on Day 2 of the NCAA Championships was a strong one. While the Tigers did not win the event, their performance was indicative of their potential. Finishing near the top of such a highly competitive field allowed Auburn to continue their momentum into the rest of the competition, proving that they had the depth and talent to be a serious contender.

For Auburn, the relay race provided not only points but also a sense of confidence going into the remaining events. They were not just swimming for individual glory, but for the team, and their relay showed that when they worked together, they could perform on the biggest stage. Every swimmer’s contribution was vital, and the way they worked together as a unit was a testament to their preparation and commitment.

The results from the 200-free relay were also a reminder of how unpredictable and exciting the NCAA Swimming and Diving Championships can be. Every race is a battle, and each event has the potential to change the course of the meet. Auburn’s performance in the relay would no doubt serve as a catalyst for the rest of the championships, and with more events to come, the Tigers were far from finished.

As the NCAA Championships continued, Auburn had their eyes set on more podium finishes. The 200-free relay had provided a foundation for success, and the Tigers were ready to build on it. With strong performances from their athletes, Auburn’s championship aspirations were alive and well.