March 27, 2009

COLLEGE STATION, Texas - -

Contact: Julie Farr DeLima

Cleveland State junior Jakub Dobies made quick work of his third straight NCAA Championships appearance, advancing to the finals in the 100 breast. Dobies resumes his quest for All-American status tonight when he swims in the consolation final. The meet's final heats begin at 8:00 p.m. EDT.

The Cleveland State and Horizon League record holder in the 100 breast (52.94), Dobies entered the meet ranked 14th nationally. He swam a 53.23 in the preliminaries to make the consolation finals with the 12th-fastest time in the meet.

"He's sitting 12th heading into the finals. His preliminary time wasn't his best swim, but we're absolutely elated," head coach Wally Morton said. "We met our objective of him getting in position to be an all American and he's among the very best breaststrokers in the country. While we are celebrating one of the greatest swims in the history of our program, he still has another swim tonight and he must swim strong and with the intent of moving up in the standings. Having him back tonight in the consolation finals is a dream come true for all of us in the program."

Dobies earned Mid-Major All-American honors from collegeswimming.com in 2008 and is aiming to become the first swimmer in Cleveland State and Horizon League history to earn All-America honors at the NCAA Championships. A finish of 16th or higher will guarantee All-America status.

"I'm pretty excited and I'm going to go out tonight and try to win the consolation final," Dobies said. "My goal was to make the finals, and I achieved that. My morning swim wasn't my best, but I swim better at night and I'm excited to get the chance to race again."