March 1, 2002
COLLEGE PARK, Md. – After another solid preliminary session Friday, the Georgia Tech men’s swimming and diving team sends 14 swimmers into tonight’s ACC Championships finals at the University of Maryland’s Campus Recreation Center Natatorium.
The top performance of the afternoon came from senior David Laitala, who set a school record and earned an NCAA “B” cut in the 100-yard butterfly. His time of 47.98 was the fastest qualifying mark, advancing him to the finals tonight. Junior Jorge Oliver posted the ninth-best time and will swim in the consolation final.
Junior Shilo Ayalon, who earned All-ACC honors in the 500 free Thursday night, qualified third in the 400 IM with an NCAA “B” cut of 3:53.36. Sophomore Chris Biedrzycki qualified fifth and will also swim in the final, while senior Carl Nylander advances to tonight’s consolation final with a ninth-place finish.
The Jackets will have three swimmers in final of the 200 free, as senior Josh Hersko placed fourth with an NCAA provisional mark of 1:38.33. Sophomore Itai Eden stands fifth, while senior Leo Salinas ranks sixth. Freshman Matt Figh earned a spot in the consolation final with an 11th-place finish.
In the 100 breast, juniors Tomonori Tsuji and Robbie Foster both earned spots in the final, while posting NCAA “B” cuts. Junior James Salazar placed seventh in the 100 back to reach the final, while freshman Jeremy Raines and Oliver will swim in the consolation final.
Action resumes at 7 p.m. The Jackets stand in a second-place tie with North Carolina at 158 points. Virginia leads the meet.
-GT-
