Jan. 31, 2004
MADISON, Wis. - Swimmer Giordan Pogioli set a Wisconsin pool record in the 200-yard breaststroke Saturday afternoon, providing one of only a few highlights for both of Purdue's swimming and diving teams this weekend.
Pogioli's mark of 2:00.60 broke the previous record of 2:01.19, which was recorded by former Boilermaker Vilmos Kovacs in 1998.
Despite the sophomore's win, the men's team still found itself on the losing end to No. 8 Minnesota, 234-118, and No. 12 Wisconsin, 199-151, after the two-day competition. At the same time, the women's team fared slightly better, defeating Illinois, 189.5-162.5, but lost to the No. 11 Badgers, 238-114, and the No. 24 Golden Gophers, 199-153.
"With the Big Ten Championships right around the corner, our clock to prepare is ticking fast," said women's head coach Cathy Wright-Eger. "I saw some strong points, but I also saw some weaknesses that concern me, and we need to clear up those issues. I'm glad we beat Illinois, but I'm disappointed that we didn't finish closer to Minnesota; however, being healthy would have made a difference."
Finishing behind Pogioli, was teammate Tamas Bessenyei who recorded a second-place time of 2:01.29. The Boilermaker tandem, which has finished one-two in the 200 breaststroke over the last three meets, also accomplished a similar feat Friday night in the 100-yard breaststroke, with Bessenyei finishing ahead of the sophomore.
The one-two pattern carried over to the men's 3-meter diving competition, where Clayton Davis and Josh Karshen captured the top two spots for the second straight day. Davis won with a score of 508.70, and Karshen scored a 498.40.
On Friday night, Davis came back to win the 1-meter title (296.05) after hitting his head on the board.
Diver Carrie McCambridge was her team's highest finisher Saturday, placing second off the 1-meter board with a score of 277.90. The two-time diver of the week lost out to Minnesota's Shannon Jackson (280.90) by a mere three points.
With the Big Ten Championships starting on February 18, Wright-Eger said she will double as a coach and teacher.
"I am going to review everything with them," said Wright-Eger. "I have to be patient with them, and while I won't get mad, I will keep repeating the same instructions over and over again if I have to."
While the women start preparations for the postseason, the men's swimming and diving team will begin training for their dual meet with Indiana. The Boilermakers head to Bloomington, Ind. on Feb. 7 for a 1 p.m showdown.