For the third time in NCAA history, a swimmer has won four consecutive 200 backstroke titles at the NCAA Men’s Swimming and Diving Championships. Cal senior Ryan Murphy<\/strong> won his fourth straight 200 back title Saturday night with a 1:36.75. Murphy got some serious pressure from Texas sophomore John Shebat<\/strong> who finished second at 1:37.24. Shebat is now the third fastest performer in history. Southern California’s Patrick Mulcare<\/strong> finished third at 1:37.80, now fifth all-time.<\/p>\n

Murphy joins the likes of USC’s John Naber<\/strong> (1974-1997) and Ohio State’s Yoshi Oyakawa<\/strong> (1952-1955) as fourpeat winners in the 200 back. Murphy also joins Naber as the only NCAA swimmers to go undefeated in backstroke races at the NCAA championships.<\/p>\n

Alabama’s Connor Oslin<\/strong>, Louisville’s Grigory Tarasevich<\/strong>, Missouri’s Carter Griffin<\/strong>, Denver’s Anton Loncar<\/strong> and Texas’ Jonathan Roberts<\/strong> also swam in the A-final.<\/p>\n

Cal now has six NCAA titles in the 200 back. Murphy joins himself (2014-2016) and Peter Rocca<\/strong> (1978, 1979) as winners for the Golden Bears.<\/p>\n