Nov. 21, 2015
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – The University of Notre Dame men’s swimming and diving team continued to achieve top times Saturday at the Purdue Invitational, clocking several B-cuts. Justin Plaschka earned the team’s sole, first-place victory, tying for first in the 100 fly.
“Today, we were better all around,” states head coach Matt Tallman. “Obviously, Justin [Plaschka] winning the 100 fly was great for us. In the same race, Matt Grauslys also did a great job. We were very solid across the board; we have traditionally swam a dual meet in the middle of tough training at this point of the season, but this season, we decided to do an invitational under the same conditions instead.
“I think the guys are putting together a good meet,” he continues, “and while we still have two sessions left tomorrow, the plan is to continue to improve some more.”
The 200 medley relay A-team lineup of Bogac Ayhan, Zachary Stump, Plaschka and Daniel Speers started the evening finals with their second place finish (1:28.91). Other top individual performers included Grauslys (100 fly, fourth, 48.30), Trent Jackson (200 free, fourth, 1:38.34) and freshman Tabahn Afrik (200 free, fifth, 1:39.34). Rob Whitacre finished third in the 100 back (49.23), while the 800 free relay A-team of Jackson, Afrik, Reed Fujan and Kevin Bradley also earned third-place points (6:39.65).
In diving, Zane Parker finished sixth in the men’s 3-meter event (279.40), while James Lichtenstein finished eighth (247.50). Platform diving is the final event for both entrants tomorrow evening.
— ND —
Lizzie Mikes serves as Media Services Coordinator at the University of Notre Dame. A 2013 graduate of Johnson & Wales University, she oversees credential management and is the athletic communications director for Fighting Irish men’s and women’s swimming and diving. She has assisted with numerous NCAA postseason events hosted by Notre Dame, and is heavily involved in the day-to-day tasks of the athletic communications office.