March 28, 2002
ATHENS, Ga. – Georgia Tech senior David Laitala raced to a school record in the 200-yard individual medley Thursday at the NCAA Men’s Swimming and Diving Championships at the University of Georgia’s Gabrielsen Natatorium.
Laitala, who placed 25th in the prelims, clocked a time of 1:47.95, bettering his own school record by .03 seconds.
Junior Shilo Ayalon was the only other Tech individual in action in the meet’s opening session, as he placed 19th in the 500-yard freestyle in 4:22.94. Ayalon is seeded fifth in Saturday’s 1650 free and will also swim in Friday’s 400 IM.
The top eight individuals in each event advance to tonight’s finals, while the next eight will swim in the consolation final.
The Jackets also fielded a team in the 400-yard medley relay, which placed 17th. The squad of James Salazar, Tomonori Tsuji, Laitala and Ayalon posted a time 3:19.70.
Friday’s prelims begin at 11 a.m. Joining Ayalon in the pool will be Laitala, who will swim in the 100 fly, and Tsuji, who will go in the 100 breast.
-GT-
