ALISO VIEJO, Calif. – The Soka University Lions hosted the Fourth Annual Wyatt Balman Invitational at the Soka University Aquatics Center on Saturday, November 9. Before the start of the swimming events, Soka Athletics honored the memory of Wyatt with opening remarks from Head Swim Coach Adam Crossen, followed by an audio recording of Wyatt singing the national anthem. The Wyatt Balman Invitational will continue to be held annually at Soka University.

Thomas "Wyatt" Balman tragically passed away on October 13, 2020, back home in Manhattan, KS. Wyatt was a third-year student and member of the Soka University swim team. Wyatt loved swimming and attending school in Aliso Viejo, California, for the beaches, mountains, and people.

Wyatt was a scholar-athlete in the classroom and an NAIA qualifier in the pool. Wyatt dreamed of attending medical school with hopes of becoming an Obstetrical/Gynecological surgeon. He also aspired to serve with Doctors without Borders. He was driven to learn about the history, politics, and socio-economic conditions of people suffering injustices. 

While attending Soka University, Wyatt felt blessed with opportunities to learn about cultures and traditions different from his own. Wyatt also enjoyed the water; when he wasn't in the ocean surfing before practice, he could be found at the pool with his teammates. Wyatt was a gifted musician and enjoyed singing and performing. He relished singing the national anthem at sporting events and took great pride in making a lasting impression on those that he performed in front of. He could also be heard singing and playing guitar with his friends throughout the dorms.

Wyatt was there for everyone and never hesitated to lend a helping hand. Wyatt's humility and empathy enabled him to open his heart to others. His immeasurable compassion allowed him to be an ear for friends from all over the world. His death was a tragic loss. It is rare for someone to have touched so many and so deeply- But Wyatt was that someone. He is loved and missed by many. We will always be proud of the man he chose to be.
 
The men finished in fourth and the women finished in fifth and had notable performances on both sides.
 
On the men's side, Zach Holt finished fifth overall in the 100-yard breaststroke with a time of 1:00.48 and took second overall in the 200-yard breaststroke with a time of 2:13.44. Rion Kunimoto had two solid performances in the 100-yard freestyle (50.86) and hit a personal record at Soka in the 200-yard freestyle with a time of 1:55.96. Keegan Nichols also set a personal record at Soka in the 100-yard freestyle with a time of 51.59.
 
On the women's side, Nicole Skrzypek had a third place finish in the 50-yard freestyle and improved on her last meet's time for a new season best with a time of 25.21. Skrzypek had a season best in the 100-yard freestyle with a time of 56.39. Hailey Pistochini had two notable performances in the 100-freestyle (1:00.95) and the 100-yard breaststroke (1:18.32) for season bests in both events.