Lincoln, Neb. - The <?xml:namespace prefix="st1" ns="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags"?>Nebraska swimming and diving program mixed the past with the present Saturday morning at the Devaney Center Pool by returning former Husker swimmers for the fourth annual Alumni Meet.
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Former All-American Allen Kelsey led the talented Alumni squad to a 114-66 victory with his individual victories in the 50- and 100-yard freestyle, events where he sits second on the Nebraska all-time charts.
Kelsey was just one of 15 former men’s and women’s swimmers who attended the event, including nine All-Americans and 10 conference champions.
“This event has been really fun,” Nebraska Head Coach Pablo Morales said. “It has always been a great event and everyone that has shown up has enjoyed it. This one was an alumni driven event and they got on it and brought back a lot of former swimmers we see on the record boards here at Devaney. It is just tremendous to see.”
Four other former Husker men’s All-Americans and conference champions also won events including Mike Irvin (100-yard fly), Sean Frampton (100-yard breast), Ryan Bell (50-yard fly) and Seddon Keyter (25-yard free). There were a total seven former men’s All-Americans and conference champions competing.
Junior Bailey Ingles enjoyed the most success among the current Husker squad with her first-place finish in the 50-yard backstroke, followed by five teammates.
Junior Lauren Bailey registered a runner-up finish in the 100-yard IM.
Two former women’s All-Americans returned in Carole Novinksi (Johnson) and Melanie Wirtner.
Morales was very satisfied with what he saw from his team heading into the regular season next Friday, Oct. 14 at the Big 12 Relays in Columbia, Mo.
“Our girls stood up and raced and they are looking great,” Morales said. “They were in their off events but they raced really well. I am very pleased with how we look leading into our first big meets next week.”