March 26, 2004

Long Island, NY – On day two of competition at the NCAA Swimming and Diving Championships being held at the Nassau County Aquatic Center in Long Island, NY, two of South Carolina’s athletes finished in the top five in two events tonight. South Carolina placed 20th at the 2004 NCAA Men’s Championships.

Senior Istvan Bathazi finished in fifth place in the 400-Meter Individual Medley tonight with a time of 4:13.25. Earlier today, Bathazi qualified fifth. Yesterday in the 200-Meter Individual Medley he competed in the Consolations and finished in 12th place. Before going into the Championships this week, Head Coach Don Gibb stated how he has been pleased with Bathazi’s performances all year long. “He is a great competitor and he is going to do great things” said Gibb. With his performance tonight, he helped keep South Carolina in the top 20 in the overall team rankings.

During the 3-Meter Diving Prelims this morning, Andy Bradley needed a big dive to get into the finals. He did that on his last dive and went into the finals in eighth place. Head Diving Coach Todd Sherritt stated ” Andy had two awesome dives tonight that the crowd really reacted to. He had to battle with the best and he did well.” Bradley finished in third place tonight on the 3-Meter board. Last night on the 1-Meter board, Bradley finished second in what Sherritt said was a great competition and Bradley looked among the best out there.