Tremendous Weekend on Various Levels

By John Lohn

ASTON, Pennsylvania, February 21. LAST weekend featured some high-quality swimming on a number of levels. While the conference-championship season kicked into high gear on the collegiate scene, a handful of high school championship meets were conducted across the country. Here’s a quick assessment of some of the developments out of the pool.

**Known for its great tradition of sprint excellence, California certainly has another big-time recruit heading its way. At the Washington Class AAAA Championships, Nathan Adrian concluded his scholastic career in dynamite fashion. Not only did Adrian win the 100 freestyle (44.08) and 200 free (1:37.17), he led off Bremerton High’s 200 free relay with a scintillating swim of 20.19.

**Many kudos to Florida’s Ryan Lochte, who exited the Southeastern Conference Championships with a trio of titles. Lochte prevailed in the 200 individual medley and earned top honors in the 100 (46.02) and 200 (1:42.39) butterfly events, each in SEC record time. The two-time Olympic medalist, amazingly, holds SEC championship records in seven events – 200 freestyle, 100 backstroke, 200 backstroke, 100 fly, 200 fly, 200 I.M. and 400 I.M.

**As Georgia edged Auburn for the SEC women’s title, the Bulldog’s dynamic duo of Kara Lynn Joyce and Mary DeScenza was spectacular. Joyce narrowly missed the American record in the 50 free as her clocking of 21.70 was just off the standard of 21.69, held by Maritza Correia. For good measure, Joyce also won the 100 (47.67) and 200 freestyles (1:43.54). As for DeScenza, she rolled to crowns in the 100 and 200 butterfly disciplines and went a sparkling 1:57.96 in the 200 I.M.

**After winning last year’s Big Ten Conference title in dominant fashion, Penn State claimed this year’s crown by a narrow margin over Minnesota. What made the effort more impressive was how the Nittany Lions accomplished the feat. Following a relay disqualification on the first night of action, Penn State was forced to play catchup behind its combination of power and depth. Obviously, the Lions stayed focused and got the job done.

**In a conference as powerful as the SEC, 10 consecutive championships is eye-popping. So, we’ll allow what Auburn just accomplished on the men’s side to speak for itself.

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