Thursday, March 21, 2013

Day Two!

Day two started off with a bang this morning when Karl Mering swam a 48.67 in the 100 butterfly, the 6th fastest time of the prelims session.  His finals effort of 48.70 earned him 8th place overall and his first All-American honor.  The 100 butterfly was sure to be one of the fastest events at the Championships this year, after 24 men met the "A" qualifying standard in the event.  MIT's Wyatt Ubellacker broke the DIII National Record in the event with his winning time of 47.41.  And all of this happened on Karl's 20th birthday!

Claire had the day off today and will compete in the 100 breaststroke tomorrow.  Galen swam in the 200 freestyle this morning as well but after two unbelievable 500 swims yesterday, he didn't make the top-16 in the event.  The Men's 200 freestyle was perhaps the deepest event of the day.  To qualify 16th took a 1:39.35; to qualify 8th, a 1:38.81.  Kenyon's Austin Caldwell won the event in 1:37.01, missing the National record by just .03.  Galen has the day off tomorrow and will compete in the 1650 at the end of the morning session on Saturday.  He is seeded 10th in the event. 

Karl's meet continues with the 200 butterfly tomorrow.  The 200 fly is the first event of the morning session which starts at 10am Central Time.  Claire's 100 breaststroke is the final individual event of the morning. 
The birthday boy and Claire share a moment this morning at prelims


Karl receiving his award for 8th place

Karl's birthday dinner at Chipotle!  He got to choose the restaurant and his parents, uncle, and cousin joined us with the cake

All-American Karl and Jenn after his 100 butterfly