Jan. 2, 2005
MIAMI, Fla. - The Boilermakers started their new year on a high note, dominating the competition at Sunday's Florida International Invitational with six pool records. In addition to topping the host Golden Panthers, Purdue also beat teams from Penn, Tulane, Valparaiso and Oakland.
The FIU pool marks were recorded by Purdue's 200 medley and freestyle relay teams, and individually by Carlene Takaki (100 butterfly -57.34), Jenae Gill (100 backstroke - 58.68), Erica Chandler (100 freestyle - 52.79), and Jennifer Merte (400 individual medley - 4:31.59).
Gill, who led the squad with three wins, teamed with Jennifer Lavers, Christine Leupold and Tracy Duchac to record the 200 medley relay's top mark of 1:48.78. In the 200 free relay (1:37.90), Gill was paired with Kimbre Vogel, Susan Hentschel and freshman Lauren Willis.
Vogel also won the 50 free (24.53) and was runner-up to Chandler in the 100 free. Willis won the 200 free in 1:54.03.
"Training in Florida this week has been a lot of fun," said Vogel. "It's nice to get away from West Lafayette, and I think competing in a different environment gave all of us the extra added motivation to do well."
Purdue utilized its depth in several events to pull away from the field. In the 100 free, butterfly and backstroke events, the Boilermakers captured three of the top five spots, and finished with four of the top five places in the 50 free. Purdue also claimed three of the top four positions in the 400 IM.
"I was happy with the way I competed today," said Chandler. "After experiencing a frustrating first half of the season, it was nice to win a race and finish strong on my relay splits."
Purdue's weeklong trip to the Sunshine State has not been all fun and games. The team has spent many hours running, lifting weights and swimming laps, preparing them for a tough second half. The Boilermakers have three conference dual meets in January prior to February's Big Ten Championships and March's NCAA Championships.
The men's meet at Florida Atlantic, originally slated for Jan. 8, has been moved to Thursday, Jan. 6 at 10 a.m. The four-team, 13-event invitational will also feature Transylvania and Air Force.
Purdue's divers left their teammates this weekend for the Georgia Invitational, which begins Monday.