Gators Set to Host All-Florida Invitational

Florida will host the annual All-Florida Invitational to kick off their season in Gainesville this weekend, September 18-20. The Gators will host 5 teams: Florida State, Florida Gulf Coast, Miami, Nova Southeastern, and Towson. Here’s a look at a few good matchups.

MEN’S 100 BREAST

The men’s breaststroke events will feature Nova Southeastern’s Anton Lobanov, the 2015 NCAA Division II champion and record holder in the 100 and 200 breast. He scorched his way to a 51.63 in the 100 and 1:51.71 in the 200.

In the 100, Florida State’s Jason Coombs will be there to challenge. Coombs boasts a 52.11, which he set at the Division I NCAA Championships last season when he won the consolation final. He’ll also look to be a factor in the 200, where he owns a best of 1:54.30.

WOMEN’S  100 FLY

Natalie Hinds returns for her senior season with her Gators and looks to be the one to beat in this race. Hinds has a personal best 51.30 from last year’s NCAAs and has been a major player in this event at the SEC and NCAA level, including a win at the 2013 SEC Championships.

Swimming against Hinds will be Chelsea Britt from the rival FSU team. She has a best of 51.79 and finished 8th in this event at the 2015 NCAA Championships.

MEN’S 200 FREE

The men’s 200 free will see some of the top Gator freestylers battle it out. Last season, Pawel Werner came out on top at the invite. Werner will have good company with teammates Nick Alexiou and Mitch D’Arrigo, both All-Americans. If he chooses to swim it, Caeleb Dressel could also pose a threat here.

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