Men’s NCAA Division I Preview: Backstroke

By John Lohn

MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota, March 12. DURING the coming week, SwimmingWorldMagazine.com will preview the Men's NCAA Division I Championships to be held in Minneapolis, Minn., from March 15-17. Next, here's a look at the backstroke events.

Also, as a treat for our premium members, click here to find out how you can obtain an extensive resource package on the meet.

100 Backstroke
The shorter of the dorsal disciplines is one of the most intriguing events on the docket, although Northwestern's Matt Grevers must be considered the favorite. Seeded third, look for Grevers to produce a time in the 45-low range, perhaps faster. After all, the senior has enjoyed a sterling campaign and is primed to cap his collegiate career in style.

The top seed is Indiana's Ben Hesen, who has been steadily improving and is slotted with a qualifying time of 45.52. The second seed belongs to Arizona's Albert Subirats, who was sensational during the middle of the season and could match his fast times from the Texas Invitational. David Russell (Cal) and Patrick Schirk (Penn State) round out the top five.

200 Backstroke
The only man seeded with a time under 1:40, Matt Grevers is once again the favorite, but this time he can expect a challenge from Stanford's Hongzhe Sun. With this event late on the third evening, what Sun does could play a key role in Stanford's chase for the NCAA title. The third seed is Florida's Lucas Salatta, capable of hanging with the top guns.

A sophomore, Patrick Schirk (Penn State) is a rising force and wouldn't surprise if he cracked into the top-three finishers. Indiana's Ben Hesen and Cal's David Russell are seeded fifth and sixth.

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