Huskers Start Strong at Big Ten Championships

Minneapolis, Minn. - The Nebraska swimming and diving team began competition at the 2013 Big Ten Swimming and Diving Championships on Wednesday evening at the University of Minnesota Aquatic Center. The squad competed in the 200-yard medley relay, the three-meter synchronized diving exhibition, and the 800-yard freestyle relay.

Nebraska kicked off the championship meet with a school record in the 200-yard medley relay. The team of Ariel Weech, Hayley Martin, Shannon Guy, and Taryn Collura finished seventh and beat the previous record by over two seconds, posting a time of 1:39.13. Head Coach Pablo Morales was ecstatic about the time that earned the relay team an NCAA B Cut.

"We couldn't have gotten off to a more ideal start," Morales said. "The medley relay girls swam incredibly, breaking the school record by more than two seconds. But one of the most impressive things is that there is still room for improvement in the event."

In the second event, the three-meter synchronized dive exhibition, Amy Herman and Nicole Schwery placed fourth.

"It was a great way for Senior Amy Herman to start her final Big Ten competition," Morales said. "It was also a nice way for Freshman Nicole Schwery to get her feet wet at her first Big Ten Championships."

In the session's final event, the Huskers took ninth in the 800-yard freestyle relay. The team of Hayley Martin, Bailey Pons, Kelly Dunn, and Ellan Dufour finished in 7:15.57, just 58 hundredths of a second behind Iowa.

Overall, Coach Morales was very pleased with the way his team performed as the Huskers are in sole possession of eighth place after the first session.

"Our girls couldn't have gotten off to a better start," Morales said. "They swam very well in both relays and have set themselves up well. They've proven this season that they get better and better as meets go on, and I am excited to see that this week."

The squad will return to action on Thursday morning as the Huskers look to build off their strong start. Check back in for updates as the Huskers continue competition in the Big Ten Swimming and Diving Championships with sessions beginning at 11 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.

 

Women - Team Rankings - Through Event 2

1. University of Minnesota                    74  

1. Indiana University                            74

3. Pennsylvania State University          58  

4. Michigan, University of                     56

4. Ohio State University                       56  

6. Wisconsin, University of                   54

7. Purdue University                             50  

8. University of Nebraska-Lincoln       42

9. Northwestern University                    36  

9. University of Iowa                             36

11. University of Illinois                         22 

11. Michigan State University                22