Results
Oct. 15, 2011
Contact: Tim Ertle
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Niagara Falls, N.Y. - After watching the Cleveland State women dominate in the 200 medley relay to kickoff the first dual meet of the season, the Vikings men's team followed suit with a victory in the 200 medley relay (1:38.28) that was a precursor of things to come. CSU's strong start propelled them to a 143-88 victory over host Niagara on Saturday (Oct. 15) afternoon.
"We had some great swims and kind of moved people around. Early in the year you want to explore and see where people might fit in," head coach Wally Morton said. "At this point in the season you have the opportunity to do that."
Justin Hill, Nathan Grant, Alex Lewis and Brian Ferro made up the 200 medley quartet and were the first four Vikings to feel the thrill of victory, but five of their teammates would see their name at the top of the list in some form or fashion by the end of the meet.
Aside from leading off the 200 medley relay, Hill won the 50 free (21.24) and later reunited with Grant and Ferro - as well as Berry Thompson - on the victorious 200 free relay (1:27.98) team.
"I was really happy with Justin Hill," Morton said. "He swam a tremendous split, a 21.14 in the 200 free relay and really set us up with a great chance to win."
In addition to his two relay wins, Grant won an individual title with a 1:57.93 in the 200 IM. It was the first time the freshman ever swam in 25-yard distances.
Alex Lewis went on his own to capture the 100 free (49.24) title and then came in second in the 50 free (21.79) behind only Hill.
Justin Kermack, the 2011 Horizon League `Newcomer of the Year', showed no signs of a sophomore slump. He won the 200 free (1:48.40) and came in second in the 100 back (54.67) behind Niagara's Shane Baxter who set a new school record with a 52.08. Finishing behind Kermack in the 100 back were Ryan Blankenship (55.56) and Ferro (55.62).
Blankenship's third place in the 100 back took a backseat to his crown in the 100 breast (1:02.65).
Thompson shrugged off an injury and took second in the 500 free (4:54.81), one spot ahead of Alex Cohara (4:56.51).
CSU swept the diving events with Matt DiMasso winning the 1-meter (262.12) and freshman Sean Tyrrell earning his first collegiate title, claiming the top spot in the 3-meter with a score of 213.68. Tyrrell narrowly edged DiMasso (212.85), showing off the Vikings diving depth in the absence of reigning Horizon League `Swimmer of the Week' Josh Gonzalez.
"For the first dual meet of the season, I think it was good for us to get back in a dual meet format like we will have next weekend," Morton said. "It's early in the season and whether it be Niagara or Green Bay next weekend, we know most important to swim our fastest times at the end of the season. Our emphasis is on finishing strong, but part of that whole process is learning how to race people and a meet like today helps us towards our long-term goals."
The Vikings will return home next weekend to compete in Cleveland for the first time this season. Cleveland State will kickoff Horizon League competition when Green Bay visits the Robert F. Busbey Natatorium on Saturday (Oct. 22) for a meet scheduled to begin at 12:00 p.m.
