Towson’s Brian Benzing Sets 100 Breast Record; Tigers Expand CAA Championships Lead

Towson's Brian Benzing Photo Courtesy: CAA Athletics

Towson’s Brian Benzing set the CAA record in the 100 breaststroke twice Friday as Towson remains on top in the CAA Championships.

Benzing, a freshman, went 52.64 in prelims to set the CAA Championships and conference record. He sped up in finals to win in 52.57 seconds. The swim takes down one of the CAA’s oldest records, set in 2012 by Old Dominion’s Arni Arnason at 53.02.

Towson won three events Friday night, expanding its lead entering the final day of the CAA Championships.

CAA Championships Team Scores

Towson 601.5
UNC Wilmington 479
Delaware 340
Drexel 337
William & Mary 328.5

Towson scored big points in the 200 freestyle with a 1-2 result. Ryan Baldino won the race in 1:37.07, with teammate Michael Fazio second in 1:38.13. It’s no surprise, then, that Towson dominated the 800 free relay that finished the session. Benzing, Fazio, Luke Schwar (sixth in the 200 free) and Baldino won the race in 6:36.12, just shy of seven seconds ahead of UNC Wilmington.

Towson also added to their stockpile by taking silver and bronze in the 400 individual medley through Patrick Flint and Ryan Bookstein, respectively. The Tigers did the same in the 100 butterfly, with Cody Stewart second and Nick McClure third. McClure and Stewart tied for fourth in the 100 backstroke, a spot behind teammate Evan Bota.

UNC Wilmington is solidly entrenched in second place. It started the day with a victory in the 200 medley relay, the squad of Will Goldey, Gianmichael D’Alessandro, Henderson Louviere and E’likai Crompton-English clocking in at 1:26.65 to best Towson (1:27.19).

Louviere was a decisive winner in the 400 IM in 3:53.31, five seconds ahead of Flint. Golden won the 100 back in 48.25, outtouching William & Mary’s Jake Kealy by .22 seconds.

The other event win came via Drexel’s Paris Raptis, who claimed the 100 fly in 47.10. Raptis helped Drexel take third in the medley relay.

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