Final Stats

Oct. 8, 2011

Contact: Tim Ertle

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EAST LANSING, Mich. - Five wins in 13 tries helped the Cleveland State men's swimming and diving team kickoff the 2011-12 season in strong fashion at the Michigan State University Spartan Invitational.

Cleveland State took third, behind the host Spartans and Oakland University.

The meet was historic in many regards, marking the first time in program history the Vikings swam in a long course (50 meters). The swimming events were also held outside, the first time the Vikings competed outdoors in their rich history. Head coach Wally Morton said it was the earliest his team ever competed.

"The team benefitted by being able to compete in the opening meet of the season in a long course meter pool on a beautiful warm and sunny day," Morton said of the day in which temperatures were in the 80s.

Diver Josh Gonzalez, the 2010 Horizon League `Diver of the Year', picked up right where he left off by winning both the 1-meter (296.25) and 3-meter (288.05). Right behind him in the 3-meter was classmate Matt DiMasso (224.25), who also finished fourth in the 1-meter (211.20).

Justin Hill won the 50 free (24.23) while taking eighth in the 100 free (55.98).

Berry Thompson won the 100 free (54.41), two spots ahead of freshman Nathan Grant who came in third in the 100 free (54.97) in his collegiate debut. Thompson also tied for fifth in the 50 free, touching the wall with the same 25.05 as Matyas Keresztes of Oakland University.

Justin Kermack, the 2010 Horizon League `Newcomer of the Year', won the 200 fly (2:08.49). Brad Bielak was third in that event, coming in at 2:14.87. Sophomore Mason Allen was fifth in the 200 fly, touching in 2:19.95. Kermack also was third in the 200 IM, finishing with a time of 2:15.77.

Cleveland State will return to yards-based training on Monday in preparation for their next meet at Niagara next Saturday (Oct. 15).