Feb. 1, 2003
CLEVELAND - The Cleveland State swimming and diving teams both earned victories over Illinois-Chicago on Saturday at the Robert F. Busbey Natatorium. The men disposed of the Flames easily, nearly doubling them in scoring 159-80. The women's meet, however, wasn't decided until the final event, with the Vikings taking the win 120-118.
Thiago Lazarini (Sao Paulo, Brazil/Universitario) placed first in both the 500 free (4:45.24) and the 1000 free (9:54.34), while Pieter Pelser (Krugersdorp, South Africa/Grey College) swam top times in the 200 IM (1:58.35) and the 200 back (1:53.06). Also scoring victories for the men's team were Lyle Wilkens (Bloemfontein, South Africa/Grey College) in the 50 free (21.17), Andrew Hancock (Cambridge Gardens, Australia/St. Mary's) in the 200 fly (1:57.06) and Warren Vickers (Durban, South Africa/Durban) in the 100 free (48.10).
Kirstey McKenchnie (Durban, South Africa/Crawford College) paced the women's squad, earning wins in the 1000 free (10:34.94), 200 IM (2:13.70) and the 200 fly (2:11.36). Jen Catton (Tecumseh, Ontario/Belle River) also picked a win in the 200 free (2:00.53) while Samantha Jones (Pietermaritzburg, South Africa/Pietermaritzburg) and Sarah Sweitzer (Olean, N.Y./Olean) took the 200 back (2:09.46) and the 200 breast (2:32.27), respectively.
Before the meet, the five Viking seniors were recognized for their tenures on the swim team. Lazarini, Hancock, Mauricio Barrios (Panama City, Panama/The Kiski School) and Brett Thomas (Berea, Ohio/Berea) were honored from the men's squad while Tracy Bartkiewicz (Westlake, Ohio/Westlake) was the lone women's swimmer competing in her last home meet.
The Vikings conclude their regular season on the road at Valparaiso on February 8 at 2:00 p.m.
