March 25, 2011
MINNEAPOLIS - The Auburn men's swimming and diving team advanced three swimmers, a diver and a relay to Friday night's finals at the 2011 NCAA Men's Swimming and Diving Championships in Minneapolis, Minn.
Auburn's 200 medley relay led off the morning, taking third in the prelim with a time of 1:24.93. The team of Kyle Owens, Adam Klein, Adam Brown and Drew Modrov posted a season-best time for the Tigers.
Senior Adam Brown led Auburn in the 100 fly prelim, taking 18th in a time of 46.61. He will be the second alternate for tonight's final. His time also gives him sole possession of 10th all-time at Auburn in the event. Also competing in the 100 fly was Marcelo Chierighini, finishing 29th in 47.22.
Freshman Zane Grothe took 17th in the 200 free and is the first alternate for tonight's final. His time of 1:35.09 in the prelim ranks him sixth all-time at Auburn in the event. Also competing in the 200 free were Karl Krug (44th, 1:38.77) and Drew Modrov (47th, 1:39.62).
In the 100 breast, senior Adam Klein finished 14th in a time of 53.17 to qualify for tonight's consolation final. Stuart Ferguson finished 19th with a time of 53.47 while Chris Manning took 34th in 56.17.
In the final event of the morning session, Auburn sent Owens and Tony Cox to the championship final in the 100 back. Owens tied for fifth in 46.09 while Cox placed seventh in 46.11. Senior Kohlton Norys is the first alternate for the final, finishing 17th in a time of 47.04.
Also swimming in the 100 back preliminary were Jared White (19th, 47.18) and Max Murphy (21st, 47.24).
In 3-meter diving, senior Dan Mazzaferro advanced to the consolation round after placing 12th in the prelim with a score of 373.35.
Action at the NCAA Swimming and Diving Championships continues at 7 p.m., tonight with finals in the 200 medley relay, 400 IM, 100 fly, 200 free, 100 breast, 100 back, 800 free relay and 3-meter diving. Fans can follow along with live results and a free live streaming video at www.ESPN3.com.
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