George Mason Quad Meet

FAIRFAX, Virginia, January 22. THE Army men's swimming & diving team swept a quadrangular meet at George Mason on Saturday afternoon. The Black Knights defeated American (251-41), George Mason (194-106) and Old Dominion (156-144) to improve to 10-4 on the season.

The Army women, who defeated American (199-88), but lost to George Mason (193-106) and Old Dominion (203-95), see their record move to 5-9.

Freshman Kenny Yacynych had a hand in a pair of victories in the pool to pace the Army men. The first-year swimmer began his impressive day by taking gold in the 100-yard backstroke with a clocking of 51.29 seconds.

Then, in the final event of the day, Yacynych teamed with sophomores Dan Foky and Bill McCarty and junior Cody Reeb to win the 400-yard freestyle relay (3:06.13). The victory in the relay provided Army with the necessary points to edge Old Dominion and complete the sweep.

Freshman Michael Drives and sophomore Ayman Andrews also posted wins in the pool for the Black Knights. Drives outswam the field in the 400-yard individual medley (4:02.48), while Andrews won the 100-yard butterfly (50.18).

Army also added five runner-up finishes, and that depth helped the Black Knights knock off all three opponents. The foursome of Yacynych, Andrews, Foky and senior Matt Leegan placed second in the 200-yard medley relay (1:33.93). Foky, who had a productive day, also chipped in a runner-up showing in the 50-yard freestyle, touching the wall in 21.27.

Elsewhere, Drives finished second in the 200-yard freestyle (1:42.47), sophomore Carter Kelly took the silver in the 100-yard breaststroke (58.78) and sophomore Chuck Zhou placed second in the 200-yard backstroke (1:53.68).

"I am really excited about the way the men's team came together today, both in and out of the pool," said Army head coach Mickey Wender. "To win that last relay and beat a very good Old Dominion team was special. They're learning and growing, and they'll be at their best when we get to the Patriot League Championships next month.

"It was a total team win today," added Wender. "Every single guy contributed today. Michael Drives continues to be show why he is one of the best plebes that I've coached at the Academy. Kenny Yacynych just missed setting an Academy record, and Chuck Zhou and Ayman Andrews both swam very well for us. To have a performance like this on the road is great."

Senior Katie Woodhams paced the Army women, sweeping the diving events. The Leesville, La., native took gold off the one-meter board with a score of 233.00 points. She then bested the field off the three-meter board, racking up 226.60 points.

Sophomore Alyssa Tran had a steady day for the Black Knight women, winning the 100-yard butterfly (57.74) and placing third in the 50-yard freestyle (24.14).

Junior Paige Brink was the only other Army woman to record a top-three finish, taking third in the 100-yard butterfly with a time of 58.84.

"Our women had a great day," said Wender. "It was good to post a win over a Patriot League opponent in American. Alyssa Tran continues to have a great season for us. Her win tonight really ignited both teams down the stretch. Katie Woodhams probably had her best day since she's been at West Point. She's doing a great job this season and today was a great day for her."

The Army swimming and diving teams return to the friendly confines of Crandall Pool for their final home meet of the season on Saturday, Jan. 29, when the Black Knights host Patriot League rivals Colgate and Lafayette. The diving events will get under way at noon, with the swimming races scheduled to begin at 1 p.m.

The above article is a press release submitted to Swimming World Magazine. It has been posted in its entirety without editing. Swimming World offers all outlets the chance to reach our audience by contacting us at Newsmaster@swimmingworldmagazine.com. However, Swimming World reserves the right to choose what material is posted.

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