Jan. 18, 2013
Contact: Jeff Sattora
CLEVELAND- The Cleveland State Viking's men's swimming team (11-3-1) battled all afternoon long before ultimately falling just short at home Friday night to the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, 131-112.
Despite the loss, the Vikings were able to bring home seven wins in the 13 event meet, and Head Coach Wally Morton walked away happy with the performance.
"I think that's the best we've performed against Notre Dame in years," Morton said. "Winning the majority of events is quite an accomplishment even though we did come up short, it was some outstanding swimming at a time of the year when everyone is already working very hard."
"Where I was most impressed was how we raced them and never backed off at any time," he added.
Two of those guys who never backed off were seniors Berry Thompson and Mark De Swardt, both competing in the second to last home meet of their college careers.
Thompson was able to bring home three victories, winning both the 50-yard freestyle (20.57), 100 freestyle (45.35), and teamed up with Justin Hill, Martin Persson, and Alex Lewis to win the 200 freestyle relay (1:23.65).
De Swardt also swam well for CSU, taking home a first place finish in the 1,650 freestyle by a dominating 21 seconds (15:45.10), while also finishing second in the 500 freestyle (4:34.74).
Three other Vikings were able to pick up victories, one in the pool and two on the diving board.
Junior Al Shillito took home a victory in the 100 backstroke (51.65), while two freshmen shined in the diving portion for the Vikings. Freshman Danny Roberts first won the 1-meter (326.03), followed by classmate Steve Schillero winning the 3-meter (318.90).
The Viking men will be back in action tomorrow at 1:00 p.m. for the team's final home meet of the season vs. Wright State. The CSU women will also be in competition Saturday, as they will take on both Wright State and Youngstown State in the meet.
