Auburn vs. Tennessee

KNOXVILLE, Tennessee, November2. THE 11th-ranked Tennessee men's swimming and diving team easily defeated the second-ranked and five-time defending national champion Auburn. The Vols won the match by a score of 170-127 at the Ray Bussard Pool in front of the legendary coach for whom the pool was named.

"We met a classy opponent in the defending national champions, the Auburn Tigers," UT head coach John Trembley said. "They came into a tough environment for competition because the pool is shallow and the home crowd was enthusiastic. It was such an honor to compete against such a class act as the Tigers under the direction of Richard Quick."

The Volunteers enthusiastically set the tone early, winning the 200 medley relay in 1:27.56. Freshman Geoff Sanders followed with a victory in the 500 freestyle (9:16.06), beating second place by more than 10 seconds.

"Sanders made the Tennessee all-time top 15 in the 1000 freestyle," Trembley said. "He is an extremely talented and hard working student athlete. After the 500 freestyle, I can really see his hard work paying dividends."

Jonas Persson stole the show on the night by winning the 100 and 200 freestyles in times of 43.62 and 1:36.40, respectively. The crowd watched his grand finale when he swam a 42.79 100 freestyle-split in the last event on the evening, the 400 freestyle relay. Both times qualify Persson for the 2008 NCAA Championships at Federal Way, Wash.

"Jonas Persson swam a very nice race in the 200 freestyle," Trembley said. "In the 100 freestyle, Persson's time was incredible. I really did not see him swimming that fast today. I'm really happy for Jonas."

Senior and team captain Michael Wolfe splashed to victories in the 200 butterfly and 200 backstroke. His times of 1:45.54 in the backstroke and 1:46.12 in the buttefly qualify him for the NCAA Championships.

"Wolfe swam a very solid 200 backstroke," Trembley said. "Wolfe trains harder than anyone else in America. He has tremendously improved since the start of his career here. I am very proud of our team leader and captain, Michael Wolfe."

Senior Octavio Alesi entered undefeated in every event at dual meets. Despite the talented Auburn crew, Alesi won both the 50 freestyle (20.34) and the 100 butterfly (48.17). His last loss in a dual meet occurred against Georgia during the 2006 spring of his sophomore year.

"In the 50 freestyle, Alesi did continue his streak," Trembley said. "However, he really swam an inferior race as he started slow off the block and got caught on the lane-line. He swam a pretty poor technical race and merely willed himself to the wall. This was an impressive feat for Alesi to accomplish. We also hope he continues to improve in the 100 butterfly. Right now, he is the No. 2 butterflyer on our all-time list. I know he wants to be No. 1 because he worked and trained very hard all summer."

Redshirt sophomore Michael Muscari surprised the crowd by winning the one-meter diving competition with a score of 317.41. Auburn's Dan Mazzaferro and Kelly Marx are both previous NCAA Championship competitors.

"Muscari came to compete today," UT diving coach Dave Parrington said. "On paper, Auburn probably should have won both events given their experience and the history of their past divers. Muscari was just gritty, and he was not going to be denied today. He knew what we had to do in that point of the contest because if they had finished first, second and third in the event, then the entire meet might have turned."

Fellow diver and senior Ryan Rincon led the Vols as he placed fourth on the three-meter boards (319.30).

Juniors Nolan Morell and Barry Murphy both swam well on the day. Morrell won the 100 backstroke (49.33) and finished second in the 500 freestyle (4:35.3). Murphy topped the field in the 100 breaststroke, clocking in at 55.67.

"In the 100 backstroke, Morrell made some errors but came out with a win," Trembley said. "We are very glad to see him grow as a backstroker. Murphy swam a very complete 100 breaststroke, we are very pleased to see the technical changes he is making on his stroke and his turns. I think he is potentially an exceptional NCAA breaststroker if he continues to improve."

After the Vols went first, second and third in the 200 I.M., Andrew Thirlwell's win (1:49.82) along with the other Tennessee scores were only recorded for exhibition. Auburn's Logan Madson officially won the event in 1:54.21.

"Thirlwell has a great story," Trembley said. "He injured himself last year as he was working hard in the weight room. Next he had back surgery and it has slowed him down at times. But with the help of his teammates, the training staff and the overall support of UT, he has really made a big step returning to full-form today. He is a courageous athlete and we look forward to Thirlwell having a good remaining career."

Freshman Brad Craig recorded the only other winning time in the 200 breaststroke, finishing in 2:00.36. Freshman teammate Mattias Kahlin followed in second place (2:05.64).

"I mentioned only winners in each event, but when a team comes together to win, it was not an individual's effort but a team effort," Trembley said. "And as I have said publicly before, this is the best team we have ever had. We may not have the highest NCAA finish nor might we win an SEC Championship, but this team continues to grow together. We are proud of them, not because of the win today but because of the preparation for which they have worked all season. And lastly, it was extremely touching to see the team go and shake the hands of their opponents and then unsolicitedly walk the length of the pool to greet coach Bussard."

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