Richard Funk Takes 100 Breast Title For Wolverines At USA Swimming Nationals

Richard Funk places third in the prelims of the 100 breaststroke.

Photo by: Peter H. Bick

GREENSBORO – The field for the men’s 100 breaststroke at the USA Swimming short course nationals looked like a dual meet between the University of Michigan and the University of Louisville, with seven of the eight having ties to those schools. Trojan Swim Club’s Mike Alexandrov brought some international racing experience to the race as well.

In the end, it was perennial NCAA top-three finisher Richard Funk who got the win for the Wolverines, touching in 52.36. That’s just off the NCAA championship automatic qualifying time of 52.29 but is third-fastest among college swimmers so far this season.

Carlos Almeida, the 2012 NCAA champion in the 200 breast now a postgrad at the University of Louisville, was second with a 52.55 with a strong push in the final 25 yards. Funk’s lead after 75 yards was too much to make up, however. Thomas Dahlia of Louisville was third with a 52.69, just a few tenths off his lifetime best but now fourth in the collegiate standings. Bruno Ortiz of Michigan (52.71), Zach Hayden of Club Wolverine (52.74), Alexandrov (52.92), Club Wolverine’s Kyle Whitaker (53.09) and Louisville’s Addison Bray (53.54) rounded out the top eight.

The B final featured another close touch, with Jared Pike of Club Seminole taking the win over DJ Macdonald of Ohio State, 53.57 to 53.68. Carlos Claverie settled for third with a 53.76.

Tanner Kurz won the C final with a 54.11 over the 54.29 by Ian Finnerty and the 54.38 by Trevor Hoyt.

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