Things went according to plan for the Florida men’s and women’s swim teams as both squads continued to dominate the All-Florida Invitational.
The most impressive performance Saturday came from freshman Matt Elliot, who took home first place honors in the 400-meter individual medley (3:50:96) and 100-meter breaststroke (55:64). With UF coach Gregg Troy emphasizing the importance of this meet for his incoming freshman class; it has been Elliot’s performance that has stood out most.
“All of them have come into this event prepared to swim their best, but I have definitely been pleasantly surprised by Matt’s times,” Gregg said.
The Gators’ men’s team won the 200 medley relay and the 800 freestyle relay, while sophomore Marcin Cieslak took home the 100 fly.
The women saw an impressive performance by a freshman, as Rebecca Rainer came in second in the 400 IM and third in the 100 breaststroke, but most of the contributions on the day came from upperclassmen.
Senior Sarah Bateman won the 100 fly, while coming in second in the 100 backstroke while fellow senior Teresa Crippen won the 400 IM, came in second in the 100 fly and finished third in the 100 backstroke.
The surprise of the day came in the women’s 200 freestyle as Florida’s Jaime Bohunicky upset her fellow sophomore teammate, and defending NCAA Champion, Elizabeth Beisel by a mere seven hundredths of a second. Troy was pleased with the result because “it will give Jaime a ton of confidence.” He also said the individual competition between the two swimmers should help them push them in training.
As far as Sunday’s races go, Gregg said that he is going to be paying special attention to Elliot and Beisel because they will be swimming events that they haven’t in the past.
Sunday’s prelims get under way at 9 a.m., with the final rounds beginning at 4 p.m. at the O’Connell Center Natatorium.
