Divers Lead Spartans At Penn State Multi-Team Meet

Nov. 9, 2007

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - The Michigan State swimming & diving programs enjoyed one of their best performances, competing well against national powers Penn State and Virginia. The men's team won four events, but lost both dual meets to Penn State (91-76) and Virginia (104.5-61.5). The Spartan women dropped duals to Penn State (126-41), Purdue (134-33) and Virginia (123.5-43.5).

Senior Adam Schmitt led the Spartans with wins in the 200 IM (1:52.15) and 100 free (45.63), while freshman Kevin Puskaric clocked a first-place time of 57.52 in the 100 breast, good for a first place tie with Virginia's P.J. Sullivan.

Freshman Colby Ward had one of his strongest showings, recording a time of 4:33.36 in the 500 free. The time was MSU's best of the night and garnered a fourth-place finish.

The Spartan men controlled the diving portion of the dual with sophomore David Garry taking first place in one-meter diving (307.60), followed by fellow sophomore Ivan Zalessov (294.60).

"The men's team is competing unbelievably," head coach Matt Gianiodis said. "To swim that well and win four of nine events is great. I'm proud of our team.

"The women's team had some good swims. We just need a few more people to step up."

Gianiodis cited sophomore Erinn Wertz as one of the team's top women's performers. Wertz swam solid legs in the 400 medley and 200 free relay and clocked a 53.92 in the 100 free.

Junior Danielle Williams placed second off the three-meter board (310.05), while fellow junior followed closely with a tally of 298.90.

The same teams will swim another multi-team meet Saturday, Nov. 10 beginning at 1 p.m.

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Players Mentioned

David Garry

Kevin Puskaric

Adam Schmitt

Erinn Wertz

Danielle Williams

Ivan Zalessov