Irish Break Another School Record on Day Two of NCAA Championships

March 27, 2015

IOWA CITY, Iowa — The University of Notre Dame men’s swimming team cheered on two relay teams and four individual competitors (three swimmers, one diver) Friday at the University of Iowa’s Campus Recreation and Wellness Center in day two of the 2015 NCAA Championships. For the second time in as many days, senior Zachary Stephens broke a school record, this time in the 100 breast.

In the morning prelim sessions, the 200 medley relay lineup of freshman Justin Plaschka, sophomore Trent Jackson, senior Jonathan Williamson and sophomore Reed Fujan came in 24th with a time of 1:28.90; not long afterwards, sophomore Tom Anderson came just short of breaking his own record in the 400 IM (3:43.03), finishing 18th (3:44.67). He was listed as an alternate for the evening finals session but did not get the chance to swim again on Friday.

Moving on in the morning prelims, Williamson placed 36th in the 100 fly (47.05), yet more excitement was in store for the Irish as Williamson’s classmate Stephens earned a berth in the consolation final with his 52.50 mark in the 100 breast. Stephens broke his own record of 52.54 in the event, and improved to 12th place in the evening with his 52.55 showing.

Jackson, Fujan and Anderson were joined by freshman Benjamin Jany in the 800 free relay to close out the morning session, as they finished in 16th with a time of 6:25.54. Diver Joseph Coumos placed 20th in the 3-meter event with a score of 370.30.

After two days of competition, the Irish are in 31st place with five points. The NCAA Championship meet concludes Saturday, with the preliminary session starting at 11 a.m., covering the 200 back, 100 free, 200 breast, 200 fly, 400 free relay and platform diving events. The 1650 free will start at 4:45 p.m., with the last finals session diving in at 7 p.m. (all times CT). The finals will be livestreamed on ESPN3, with live stats available here. Stay tuned to und.com for a full update of the day.

Individual Results:

200 Medley relay Plaschka, Jackson, Williamson, Fujan, 24th (1:28.90)

400 IM — Tom Anderson, 18th (3:44.67)

100 fly — Jonathan Williamson, 36th (47.05)

100 breast — Zachary Stephens, 13th (52.50) in the morning; finished 12th in the evening (52.55)

800 free relay — Jackson, Jany, Fujan, Anderson, 16th (6:25.54)

3-meter diving — Joe Coumos, 20th (370.30)

Lizzie Mikes,

Media Services Coordinator