Florida Tech Swimmers Shine Against Rollins
By Florida Tech // November 12, 2012
Patthers Shatter Four Records In Meet
BREVARD COUNTY • MELBOURNE, FLORIDA – Florida Tech’s men’s swimming team earned its second victory of the season in the home-opener at Panther Aquatic Center on Saturday.
Florida Tech defeated Rollins 141-63, earning victories in 10 of 11 events on the day.
The Panthers cruised to the victory while setting four school records along the way.
“I am extremely pleased with the team’s performance today,” head coach Jeni Ritter said. “We had the swimmers swim events that they have not had the opportunity to swim yet this year, and it was nice to see the results in different events. We had great support from our Florida Tech family and friends for our season home opener, which always helps to motivate the team.”
The team kicked things off on the right foot with a win in the 200 yard medley relay, as Sam Trible, Brian Dumont, Adam Zajac and Trevor Eastin raced their way to a school record. The Crimson and Gray would continue with five victories in the next five meets to take a commanding lead.
Two of those wins included school record-setting performances as Dumont set a school best in the 400 yard individual medley along with a top time by Zajac in the 100 yard butterfly. Dumont continued his strong day in the second-to-last race, setting a school record in the 100 yard breaststroke.
The women’s team fell short of the victory, falling to Rollins 136-65. The squad did set three school records in the process, however. Schelli Linz marked the first top finish in the 400 yard IM. Freshman Shelby Pearce followed with a school mark in the very next race, the 100 yard butterfly.
Pearce also set the third and final school record for the women’s team in a victory in the 500 yard freestyle.
Her time of 5:09.98 was just .5 seconds off the 500 freestyle NCAA “B-Cut” qualifying time.
“The women’s team had some stand out swims, including Shelby Pearce’s 500 freestyle,” Ritter said. “On the men’s side, Brian Dumont smashed the 1 minute barrier in the 100 breaststroke which is not a small feat. I know we are just breaking the surface as to what this team will accomplish this season.”
The Panthers face a quick turnaround with another meet at Panther Aquatic Center this weekend. The squad will face off against Daytona State on Saturday with an 11 a.m. start Saturday.