Clemson Swimming and Diving Has Tough Friday Morning Session

Feb. 24, 2006

College Park, MD- The Clemson Men’s Swimming and Diving team struggled a little bit during their Friday morning session at the Campus Recreation Center in College Park, MD. The Tigers were looking to jump on the competition, but only managed to place two swimmers in the championship heat for Friday night. Both Joel Johnson in the 100 backstroke, and Attila Ruszka in the 100 breaststroke will be seeded fourth for tonight’s session.

Andy Bergren led the way for Clemson as the morning kicked off with the 400 IM. Bergren, (3:58.60) in his first out of two events for the morning, was the top Tiger qualifier in 13th. He will be joined by teammate Charlie Dillon in the consolation heat. Dillon, a senior from Spring, TX, swam a career fastest time of 3:59.42 to qualify 16th. Fellow senior Jordan Raynovich (3:59.69) touched the wall just behind Dillon in the 17th spot. Sean Geary placed 23rd this morning in the event with a time of 4:05.79.

Joel Johnson (50.43), Ben Kanoy (51.40), and Jay Crout (51.58) all had season best times in the 100 butterfly, respectively.

The next event that came for Clemson was the 200 freestyle. The Brothers Mengering, Dan and Jonathan, both qualified for the consolation finals. Freshman Dan (1:39.38) out touched senior Jonathan (1:39.70) as they came in 14th, and 16th, respectively. In his first of two events for the day, Brett MacLennan (1:40.07) placed 21st, while teammate Greg Middleton (1:40.16) placed 22nd. Bryce Herrington (1:40.15), Stephen Russell (1:40.76), and Matt Balderston (1:41.91) also competed in the 200 freestyle for the Tigers.

After not placing anyone in the championships finals of the first three events, Attila Ruszka righted the ship for Clemson. He won his morning heat, and posted a time of 55.22 to qualify in fourth for tonight. In his second event for the morning, Andy Bergren (57.04) swam to a 15th place seed in tonight’s consolation final. Also in his second event of the day, Brett MacLennan (59.29) finished in 26th as the second alternate.

In the final event of the day, Joel Johnson roared to a 49.12 time in the 100 backstroke. Johnson moved into third all-time in Clemson history in the event. Jay Crout (51.19) finished 20th, and Taylor Thompson (52.05) finished 25th to round out the morning session for Clemson.

Clemson will look to improve on their morning times during the championship heats this evening. The 400 IM will lead the way starting at 7 pm. This will be followed by the heats of the 100 butterfly, 200 freestyle, 100 breaststroke, 100 backstroke, and 400 medley relay.