Feb. 7, 2004
The University of South Carolina men’s and women’s swimming and diving teams fell to the Nationally Ranked Georgia Bulldogs today at the Carolina Natatorium.
Heading into the SEC Championships in just a few weeks, the Gamecocks suffered a heartbreaking loss to the Bulldogs. The women were led by Heather Skaggs who took first in both the 50 yard freestyle (23.55) and the 100 yard butterfly (29.63). Diver Allison Brennan had outstanding performances in the 1 meter (310.05) and 3 meter (287.03) diving events taking first in both. Lauren King, who is coming off of an injury, came in close behind in the 1 meter with a score of 276.08 Head Diving Coach Todd Sherritt is very optimistic about the SEC championships with these divers leading the way for the women. “If Brennan can hit her dives, she will be untouchable at the SEC Championships” stated Sherritt. Also, with last year All American King, and freshman Lyndsey Havens the Gamecocks should do well in the Championships.
For the men, Tamas Szucs led the way finishing in the top position in both the 500 yard freestyle (4:31.55) and the 200 yard freestyle (1:38.67). Also taking first place honors for the Gamecocks were Ed Murphy in the 100 yard freestyle (46.33) and Justin Kata in the 200 yard backstroke (2:08.69). Lir Derieg had a personal best time of 52.18 in the 100 yard backstroke and Tim Farrington also had a personal best in the 1000 yard freestyle with a time of 9:29.57. Diver Andy Bradley had a first place finish in the 1 meter diving event with a score of 374.55.
The Gamecocks will head back to the pool at the SEC Championships, which will be held in Athens, Ga. February 25-28.
