Swimming and Diving Hits the Road Saturday

Oct. 11, 2007

The Clemson men’s and women’s swimming and diving teams will go on the road Saturday, October 13 to take on Georgia Tech, Florida State, and Alabama in Clemson’s second meet of the season. The meet will start at noon at the Georgia Tech Aquatic Center. The women fell to Virginia Tech this past weekend, while the men defeated the Hokies 183-117 at McHugh Natatorium in Clemson.

This will be the season-opening meet for each of Clemson’s opponents. On the men’s side, Clemson holds a 33-24 all-time advantage over the Yellow Jackets in a series that dates back to 1918. The Tigers are 3-10 all-time against the Seminoles, and are 1-8 against the Crimson Tide.

Last season, the Seminoles defeated the Tigers 198-97, while the Tigers downed the Yellow Jackets in Georgia Tech 164-134. The Tigers and Tide last met in 2001 in Tuscaloosa, and the men fell 137-100, while the women were tripped up 136-105. Last season, the women’s team knocked off Georgia Tech 171.5-94.4, but lost to FSU 178-116.

The Lady Tigers are 0-1 on the season, but are 5-1 all-time against the Jackets, 2-6-1 against Florida State, and 1-5 against Alabama.

The men will try to maintain momentum heading into the meat of the season. Senior Attila Ruszka had a terrific meet against Virginia Tech, recording three individual wins. Additionally, Freshman David Gordon won two events in his first collegiate meet.

The women had a very strong meet against the Hokies as well, led by Rachel Regone and Michelle Parkhurst. Regone won two individual events and one relay event, while Parkhurst had a win in the 200 free and a relay win as well.

Diver Stephanie Fura has already qualified for the NCAA Zone meet after posting a career-high 263.78 on the one-meter board. David Giambra has also qualified after posting a 324.75 on the three-meter board.

This will be the first of two meetings between the Seminoles and the Tigers, as they will meet again on January 26, 2008 in Clemson. After the meet in Atlanta, the Tigers will have two weeks off before heading to Charlottesville to take on the Cavaliers on October 27.