Results

Nov. 4, 2011

Contact: Tim Ertle

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Columbus, Ohio - Head coach Wally Morton talks about the end goal: swimming well at the Horizon League Championships in late February.

That's why he worries not so much about the result, but gradual steps in the process. His team took another step on Friday (Nov. 4) when they competed in the Ohio State Quad Meet against the host Buckeyes, Virginia Tech and Division III power Denison.

Cleveland State came away 0-3, but that's not what Morton took away.

"We had some good solid swims from a number of people for this early in the season," Morton said. "Many of the races were very competitive. I just think we went up against three of the top programs in the nation and really, we wanted to work on our races - which we did. We had a little rust after having last weekend off and weren't as sharp as we would like to be."

There were undoubtedly positives.

"We finished strong," the coach said. "We've really worked on our endurance and that shows up in the swims. Overall, we're lacking some speed and we'll continue to work on that."

Morton was also happy with the depth he's seeing from his team.

"We had really solid swims from people that typically don't get much publicity," he said. "We saw glimpses of some swims that indicate we have more depth than we might have thought and that is encouraging."

Junior Berry Thompson was one of the student-athletes Morton singled out.

"In terms of individuals, I thought Berry Thompson had a good meet," Morton said. "He left early on our last relay, but he came within a whisker of winning the 50 free and 100 events. "

Thompson's 21.21 in the 50 free placed him fifth. He was stronger in the 100 free with a 45.79, a time just .11 seconds off the pace set by Ohio State's Zach Holmes.

Nathan Grant continued the strong start to his collegiate career, racking up three top-seven finishes. He was third in the 200 IM (1:56.39), sixth in the 200 free (1:41.86) and seventh in the 200 breast (2:08.79).

Justin Kermack placed fifth in both the 100 (51.52) and 200 fly (1:51.15), as well as a fifth place finish in the 200 IM (1:57.81).

The men will be back in action next Saturday (Nov. 12) when they host St. Bonaventure and league foe Valparaiso. The meet will begin at 1:00 p.m. at the Robert F. Busbey Natatorium.