Colin Chupik is a team player.

So, when the Colorado College coaching staff asked Chupik to take a shot at swimming the 200 individual medley, he did not hesitate to give the new event a try.

And on Saturday, in a dual meet at Colorado School of Mines, he made his mark.

Chupik, who earlier in the meet won the 200-yard butterfly competition (2:02.03) by more than 4.5 seconds, claimed an impressive third (2:03.60) in the 200 IM to help the outmanned Tigers collect points in a 215.5-61.5 defeat to their NCAA DIvision II hosts.

"We had a very depleted roster due to illness, and weren't able to make an overall impact," said Goodman James. "Our guys did a great job of staying focused in their events, bringing home a big number of season-best times. ... Most were matching their sea level times today, which is challenging at our altitude."  

While Chupik got off to a great start in the 200 fly from the outset and held the lead all the way, senior Michael Bennett was equal to the task in the 100-yard (54.98) version of the same stroke.

Chupik also took third (49.80) in the 100-yard freestyle.

But what caught Goodman James' eye was his new event.

"Colin was outstanding in the 200 IM, a new event that we are exploring with him," she said.

Austin Howlett, with no competition in the diving events, scored 250.95 points on the 1-meter board and 266.25 on the 3-meter. Sophomore Robbie Adler tied for second (1:03.41) in the 100-yard breaststroke. Adler also teamed up with junior Chris Garrity, Chupik and Bennett as the Big Cats claimed second (1:39.93) in the 200-yard medley relay.