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Records shattered as UA swimming teams victorious

From Staff Reports

The water was blazing the first two days at the University of Texas Invitational, as the UA swimmers were dominant.

The Wildcats were so fast that they broke three U.S. Open records (fastest time ever on U.S. soil), two of which were set by the men's squad.

The men were lead by freshman Roland Schoeman, who became the fastest collegian ever in the 50-yard freestyle, swimming a 19.07 time trial-time. The time was also a U.S. Open record.

The second U.S. Open record for the men was set by the 400-yard medley relay with a time of 3:33.61. Seniors Matt Allen, Rob Henikman, Coley Stickels and Schoeman made up the victorious squad.

In addition to the victory in the 400-yard medley relay, they also set a meet record in the 200-yard medley relay, which automatically qualified them the NCAA national championship.

The 200-yard freestyle medley squad of Schoeman, Stickels, Henikman and junior Jay Schryver also swam to a qualifying time.

Allen in the 100-yard backstroke, Stickels in the 50-yard freestyle and senior Ryk Neethling in the 200-yard freestyle also captured spots in the NCAA championships with qualifying times.

The women's swimming team also dominated the competition the first two days as they notched 15 NCAA automatic qualifying times.

Freshman Amanda Beard lead the way for the women as she set a U.S. Open record in the 100-yard breaststroke with a time of 1:06.67.

UA swimming head coach Frank Busch said, Beard proved that she will be one of the top swimmers in the nation for the next four years.

The 200-yard medley relay team of freshman Beth Botsford, Beard, sophomores Amy Bouta and Jenny Vanker set a meet record with a time of 1:40.07.

Botsford also set a meet record in the 100-yard backstroke with a time of 53.80.

Also qualifying the national championships were seniors Trina Jackson, Denali Knapp and Rachel Joseph, sophomores Emily Mastin, Jessamyn Miller, Erin Vogt and Sarah Tolar as well as freshman Julie Manitt.

As of last night, results were unavailable, but look for more information as well as swimmers and coaches reactions in tomorrow's Arizona Daily Wildcat.