2015 Big 12 Swimming & Diving Championship: Day 4 Prelims Real-Time Recaps

2015 BIG 12 CHAMPIONSHIPS

• Wednesday, February 25 – Saturday, February 28
• Lee & Joe Jamail Texas Swimming Center – University of Texas
• Prelims 10 AM / Finals 6 PM (Central Time)
• Psych Sheets
• Live Results 

Women Scores Through Day 3

1. Texas – 745.5
2. Iowa State – 413.5
3. Kansas – 366
4. West Virginia – 315
5. TCU – 294

Men Scores Through Day 3

1. Texas – 741
2. TCU – 505
3. West Virginia – 447

Women’s 200 Backstroke

The Texas women got off to a strong start in the first event of the morning. Sophomore Tasija Karosas took the top spot (1:54.88) and was followed by her teammate Rebecca Baxley (1:57.86). Rounding out the top 8 were Yulduz Kuchkaro (Kansas, 1:58.12), Marissa Engel (ISU, 1:58.67), Bre Loeschke (ISU, 1:59.11), Madison Straigh (Kansas, 1:59.96), Ali Bleadsdell (TCU, 1:59.96), and Devin Newton (TCU, 2:00.60).

Men’s 200 Backstroke

Ian LeMaistre (Texas) swam the fastest 200 backstroke this morning (1:43.00). He swam a 1:42.98 during a time trial earlier this week, so it was obvious that he was capable of a good time in today’s race.  LeMaistre is a B swimmer for Texas, though, and he won’t be able to score in tonight’s finals. Due to this, Jack Conger will go into tonight’s A final as the top seed after his 1:43.54 morning swim. TCU’s Cooper Robinson (1:44.18) will go in as the second seed and Will Glass (TEX, 1:46.10) will move up to third.

Women’s 100 Free

Texas freshman Rebecca Millard swam a 49.17 to claim the top spot in the 100 free. Her teammate Mimi Schneider was the only other swimmer under 50 (49.72). Three other swimmers from Texas helped to round out their claim on 5 of the top 8 times swam this morning- Sam Sutton (5th, 50.48), MaKayla Markey  (7th ,50.92) and Brynne Wong (8th, 51.10). Note-Sutton is a B swimmer, so she will not be able to swim in the A final.

The other top times were done by Julia Sander (TCU, 3rd-50.33), Jaimee Gillmore (WVU, 4th- 50.35),  and Pia Pavlic (KANS, 6th-50.77).

Men’s 100 Free

Brett Ringgold (Texas) went a 42.98 to secure the middle lane for tonight’s race. The freshman was the only swimmer under 43 this morning. He will be flanked by West Virginia’s Tim Squires (43.54)  and Andrew Marsh (44.08) in tonight’s final. Texas senior Keith Murphy had a 43.74 prelim swim, but as a B swimmer he won’t be able to swim in the A final.

Women’s 200 Breaststroke

Texas Senior Gretchen Jaques would run away with the top seed in the 200 breaststroke. Jaques’ 2:08.57 was more than four seconds ahead of second place qualifier Kasey Roberts (Iowa State, 2:13.07). After Roberts, Texas would claim the next three best prelims times with Madisyn Cox (2:13.28), Jordan Surhoff (2:14.67), and Bethany Leap (2:15.94).

Men’s 200 Breaststroke

Continuing with their dominate trend, Texas swimmers made up the top six times swam this morning. Will Licon finished in a 1:53.98 and was only .31 off the meet record that was set back in 2011.  Liam Lockwood had the second fasted time (1:55.96), but he is listed as a B swimmer. Texas rounded out their six fastest times from prelims with Austin Temple (1:57.34), Jared Butler (1:57.68- B swimmer), Matt Korman (1:58.20- B swimmer), and Imri Ganiel (1:58.25).

Women’s 200 Fly

Only two swimmers made it under 2:00 this morning- Texas’ Kelsey Leneave (1:58.44) and Kansas’ Chelsie Miller (1:58.76). Miller’s 3rd and 4th 50s were only .09 seconds apart, so look for her closing speed to make this a very interesting race tonight. WVU’s Julie Odgen claimed the 3rd spot with her 2:00.27.

Men’s 200 Fly

John Martens led a strong charge by Texas with his 1:44.00 morning swim in the 200 fly. He was followed by teammates Joseph Schooling (1:47.05) and Tripp Cooper (1:47.05). Schooling had an extremely relaxed first 100 and was the slowest going out this morning (56.36). There’s no doubt that he will push to challenge for the top spot in tonight’s finals, but it should be interesting to see what race strategy he decides on tonight. Tonight’s A final will also include Chase Williams (WVU, 1:48.04), Carlos Hunnicutt (TCU, 1:48.47), Grant Rogers (TEX, 1:48.68), Matt Spallas (TCU, 1:50.40), and Austin Green (WVU, 1:50.56).