Gophers Swimming: Minnesota takes top spot at Jean Freeman Invitational
Minnesota Gophers swimming got back in the pool Friday morning to begin the two day Jean Freeman Invitational, where the hosting Maroon and Gold took the top spot in five preliminary events. Minnesota captured the top three finishes in the 50 and 500 yard freestyle, the top two finishes in the 200 yard backstroke, six of the top eight finishes in the 200 yard butterfly and seven of the top eight in the 200 yard freestyle.
The Gophers began the finals’ swims with a win in the 200 yard freestyle relay. The foursome of Derek Toomey, Daryl Turner, Kyler Van Swol and Paul Fair recorded a time of 1:20.48. Logan Redondo earned a first place finish in the 500 freestyle (4:32.75), shaving seven seconds off his preliminary swim time.
The Golden Gophers continued to hold onto their top finishes:
- 50 yard freestyle- Turner (20.45-a season best), Van Swol (20.69), Fair (20.98)
- 200 yard backstroke- Hatanaka (1:53.68) Johnson (1:54.01)
Minnesota touched the wall first and second in the 800 yard freestyle relay. Fair, Andrew Hartbarger, Erick Huft and Turner earned the top spot with a time of 6:44.11. The 200 yard fly also faired well for the home team as they held onto six of the top seven spots led by Ben Bravence (1:49.97) and in the freestyle of the same distance, claiming the top five finishes, this time led by Van Swol (1:44.11.).
Sophomore Manny Pollard finished atop the one-meter diving event; he was the only diver to break 300 with a score of 348.35. The final swim of the day one was the 400 yard medley relay, which also saw a Minnesota victory from Turner, Jakub Maly, Van Swol and Toomey (3:17.21).
Saturday’s preliminary swims began with a splash as the Gophers dominated the 400 yard individual medley, taking the top five finishes; they were led by CJ Smith (4:04.36). In the finals, while Smith improved his time (4:03.84), teammate Alex Cisneros passed him for the win (4:02.78).
Minnesota took seven of the top eight finishes in the 100 yard freestyle and backstroke finals with wins going to Toomey (44.36) and Turner (49.17), respectively. Van Swol won the 100 yard butterfly (48.96).
The invitational concluded with the 400 yard free relay. Top honors went to the team of Toomey, Turner, Carl Newenhouse and Van Swol in a time of 2:58.61.
After the holidays, the Gophers will resume play with a dual against Hawaii, in Honolulu on Saturday, Jan. 11.