Swim and dive teams dispatch SMU, fall to Texas


By Allison Hamila
Arizona Daily Wildcat
Monday, January 31, 2005

Despite both unseating Southern Methodist Friday, the Arizona swim and dive teams fell to the Texas Longhorns Saturday in Austin, Texas.

The No. 9 Texas men's team defeated the No. 5 Arizona men 180.5-159.5. The No. 5 Texas women also defeated the No. 4 Arizona women 180.5-170.5.

Junior diver John Collier placed first in both the 3-meter and 1m platform events, and senior Claire Febvay took first in the women's 1m competition.

"The team really showed signs of life after this meet," said UA head coach Frank Busch. "We finally look like we are moving in the right direction."

Junior Lyndon Ferns placed first in the 100-yard freestyle with a time of 43.87 and also won the 200y butterfly with a time of 47.21.

Freshman Nick Thoman placed first in the 200y backstroke, clocking in a time of 1:45.48.

Tyler DeBerry took first in the 500y freestyle event in 4:23.62, and the 200y medley relay team of Thoman, Ivan Barnes, Ferns and Simon Burnett took first with a time of 3:15.69.

The women's 200y freestyle relay team of Jenna Gresdal, Courtney Cashion, Jessica Hayes and Lacey Nymeyer finished in 1:32.58.

Senior Emily Mason took first in the 400y individual medley with a time of 4:19.97. Mason also captured first place in the 200y butterfly and the 200y individual medley.

As the season's end edges closer, Busch said, he is getting anxious.

"I've been through this for many years now, it's been fun, but I'm always a little nervous," he said.

The Wildcats return to the pool for their last home meets of the season against ASU at the Hillenbrand Aquatic Center Feb. 12.