Clemson Swimming and Diving Travels to South Carolina Friday

Oct. 29, 2008

CLEMSON, S.C. – The Clemson Swimming and Diving teams will travel to Columbia, SC on Friday evening to take on the Gamecocks at 5:00 pm at the Carolina Natatorium. The Clemson women enter the meet at 2-1 (1-1 ACC), while the men are 1-2 (0-2 ACC). Both South Carolina squads are 0-2, with losses to nationally-ranked North Carolina and a common opponent, Virginia.

The Tigers and Gamecocks split a season ago, with the Clemson men winning 206-97 and the South Carolina women edging the Tigers 157-143. South Carolina owns a 36-30-1 record all-time against the Tigers on the men’s side and an 18-14 mark on the women’s side. Both Tiger teams downed South Carolina in their most recent trip to Columbia in 2006-07.

As far as races to watch, Clemson seniors Rachel Regone and Lauren Sindall have swam two of the top three times in the 50 free in the ACC this season. Gamecock Sharntelle McLean will challenge the two Tigers for the top spot in the 50 free.

Another race to watch will be defending ACC Champion and ACC record-holder Michelle Parkhurst against South Carolina’s Megan Sparks in the 200 yard backstroke.

On the men’s side, Tigers Dan Mengering and Myles Oliver will challenge for the top spot in the 50 and 100 free events. Tom Recko and South Carolina’s James Crawford will likely duel for the top spot in both backstroke events.

The diving well will be a hotly contested area of interest as well. South Carolina boasts both the male and female SEC Divers of the Week, Corry Christian and Helen Alvey. The Tigers will counter with Senior school record-holders David Giambra and Stephanie Fura. Freshmen Brooke George and Cassie Self will help bolster the Tigers’ effort.

As common opponents go, both teams have competed against Virginia and lost. The Cavaliers rank 10th in the nation on the women’s side and 15th nationally in the men’s poll.

The meets is the first of five straight events away from McHugh. The Tigers will return to the pool on Saturday, November 8, when they travel to Blacksburg for a dual-meet with the Hokies.