Junior swimmer Shaune Fraser ended the season strong.
After Fraser won individual national titles in the 200-yard freestyle and the 200-yard butterfly, the UF men's swimming and diving team rallied behind him to secure a fifth-place finish in the NCAA Championships over the weekend.
"I didn't do as well in the Olympics," Fraser said. "So I wanted to show everyone what I can do at NCAAs."
And he did just that. Coach Gregg Troy said Fraser's 200 fly was one of the best he had witnessed.
Senior Bradley Ally was also a standout during the three-day competition, starting off with an exceptional swim on the first day to win a national title in the 200-yard individual medley.
Fraser also had a career-best time in the 200 free Friday. The Gators took 33 All-American awards including honorable mentions.
No. 7 UF was in fourth place after Thursday, sixth after Friday and managed to move up one spot on Saturday.
The weekend marked the 10th consecutive year that the men finished in the top 10.
"We did a fantastic job throughout this whole week, with effort from every single member of the team." Troy said. "We broke a bunch of school records, and everyone garnered All-America status. You couldn't ask for a better end to the season."
The Gators were on fire at the championships, breaking 10 UF records. But even so, Fraser knows he has greater potential. He said winning two titles was a great experience but the opportunities are endless.
"I can always improve after every swim." Fraser said. "I am going to look back at the video and correct my mistakes so I'm better next time."
Other solid performances at the meet included junior Clark Burckle and Omar Pinzon in the 200 breaststroke and 200 back, respectively. Burckle finished in eighth place, breaking his own school record, and Pinzon took third in his event, breaking his career best.
