Collegiate Competition Resumes as Students Return to School

By Emily Sampl

BOULDER, Colorado, January 10. TRAINING trips have concluded and classes have commenced, which means America's collegiate swimmers are back in racing mode. Dozens of schools put their hard work over winter break to use this weekend, posting numerous quality swims. Here are a few highlights from the past three days of competition.

Riding the momentum of 2009 NCAA champion Austin Staab's return to competition, the Stanford men's and women's teams cruised to victory over Pacific on Saturday. Staab won three events at the meet, including the 200 free (1:40.67), 100 free (45.42) and 100 fly (50.40). Teammate Robert Lovelace picked up two victories in the 100 (56.73) and 200 (2:03.25) breast, while Matthew Swanston swept the backstrokes (49.90 and 1:47.45).

On the women's side, five swimmers won two events apiece. Andie Taylor (200 free, 1:48.99 and 200 fly, 2:02.74), Kelsey Ditto (500 free, 4:56.97 and 1000 free, 10:00.52), Liz Smith (200 IM, 2:03.38 and 100 breast, 1:03.01), Andi Murez (100 back, 56.19 and 100 free, 49.89) and Felicia Lee (200 back, 1:59.14 and 100 fly, 54.01) all had strong meets for the Cardinal.

The defending NCAA champion Florida Gators opened the 2011 portion of their season with victories over Georgia Tech on Friday. Several swimmers on both the men's and women's side posted sizzling times for this early in the semester. Elizabeth Beisel (1000 free, 9:56.04), Kirsten Smith (500 free, 4:55.27), Conor Dwyer (500 free, 4:22.67 and 200 fly, 1:46.77), Brett Fraser (200 free, 1:37.88) and Sarah Bateman (100 fly, 54.82) were just a few of the swimmers posting personal or season bests at the meet.

In a battle of two up-and-coming teams in the national ranks, the Tennessee Lady Vols edged the Virginia Cavaliers in Knoxville on Saturday. Sophomore Kelsey Floyd led the charge with three wins and a school record for Tennessee. She broke the 14-year old record of 1:57.90 with a 1:56.68 in the 200 fly, adding to her wins in the 200 back (1:59.36) and 100 fly (53.56). Lindsay Gendron also had an outstanding meet for the Lady Vols, winning the 1000 free in a personal best time of 9:45.71, a pool record. She added a victory in the 500 (4:48.80) later in the day. Lauren Perdue continued her dominance of the freestyle events, tallying three of Virginia's four wins in the 50 (22.70), 100 (49.51) and 200 (1:46.91) free.

In Division III action, Denison University continued its push towards a national championship with a strong performance against Ohio. Although Ohio came out on top, two Denison swimmers had impressive victories. Sophomore Alyssa Swanson touched first in both the 200 free (1:52.67) and 100 free (52.16), while Ksenia Golovkina raced to a win in the 100 breast in 1:05.07. Denison also put up quick times in the 200 medley relay (1:47.42) and 200 free relay (1:36.66) in finishing second to Ohio in both.

For complete results from all of the meets this weekend, check out the College Channel.

Name*

Email*

Welcome to our community. We invite you to join our discussion. Our community guidelines are simple: be respectful and constructive, keep on topic, and support your fellow commenters. Commenting signifies that you agree to our Terms of Use