Jan. 8, 2005
Columbia, S.C. – The South Carolina men’s and women’s swimming and diving teams were defeated by Auburn on Saturday afternoon in dual meet action. The Auburn men’s squad defeated USC 172-98 with the Tigers earning a 178-75 win on the women’s side.
USC freshman swimmer Dan White highlighted the afternoon for the Gamecocks winning the 1000 yard freestyle and finishing in second place in the 500 freestyle. White took home the top spot in the 1000 freestyle with a season best time of 9:18.83. White’s time in the 1000 free ranks as the fourth fastest in school history. White also finished the 500 freestyle with a time of 4:32.26.
“This was an important meet for our team and the swimmers we have,” said USC head swimming coach Don Gibb. “Auburn is the best of the best. They have NCAA champions, American record holders, Olympians, our team needs to be exposed to this. This meet gives them an idea of what it’s going to be like at the SEC Championships and the caliber of competition they will be facing. We are getting prepared these next few weeks in training to be ready for the SEC Championships and NCAA Championships in the next couple of months.”
USC junior Reid Duff also competed well for the Gamecocks finishing second in the 50 freestyle (21.37) and fourth in the 100 freestyle (46.93). Junior swimmer Justin Kata also recorded a second place finish in the 200 breaststroke at 2:06.88, his top time of the season.
For Carolina on the women’s side, sophomore Stephanie Margalis took home third place in the 500 freestyle at 5:00.85. Freshman Chrsisty Williams and senior Carolynn McHugh also were second and third in the 50 butterfly with times of 25.77 and 26.69 respectively. Freshman Heather Roffey was third in the 1000 freestyle with a time of 10:14.65.
South Carolina returns home next Saturday for its final home meet of the season as the Gamecocks host Kentucky at the Carolina Natatorium. South Carolina will honor the senior class prior to the meet.
Complete final results will be posted at www.uscsports.com shortly.
