Feb. 28, 2004

Athens, Ga. – The University of South Carolina qualified 5 swimmers this morning in prelims for the final and consolation rounds to be held tonight at 6:30 at Gabrielsen Natatorium in Athens, Ga.

For the women, Seniors Jennifer Van Assen and Heather Skaggs both qualified for the championship round of the 100 yard freestyle. Van Assen’s time of 49.46 was a personal best for her on the year and also an NCAA “A” standard qualifying time. Skaggs time of 49.65 was also a personal best for her and an NCAA “A” standard qualifying time as well. Senior Ashleigh Bastak qualified for the 100 yard freestyle consolation round with a time of 50.38 (NCAA “B” standard) and Junior Carolynn McHugh qualifed 15th to make it to the consolation round with a time of 50.42 (NCAA “B” standard). Senior Christina Hong had a personal best in the prelims for the 100 yard freestyle (55.27) along with Sophomore Haley Skaggs (51.60).

On the men’s side, Senior Istvan Bathazi qualified for the championship round in the 200 yard individual medley with a time of 1:47.64. Bathazi holds the current USC record in this event with a time of 1:47.22 that he set in 2002. Senior Ed Murphy qualified for the consolation round in the 100 yard freestyle with a time of 45.03. Setting new personal bests in the 100 yard freestyle were Freshman Adam Bastak (47.12), Junior Josh Parkin (46.75), and Sophomore Tamas Bathazi ( 45.75).

Action is set to begin at 4 p.m. with the men’s and women’s 1650 yard freestyle with Finals beginning at 6:30.