S&D Alum Zane Grothe makes Team USA

S&D Alum Zane Grothe makes Team USAS&D Alum Zane Grothe makes Team USA

June 28, 2017

On Tuesday it was current Auburn swimmer Zach Apple making the United States' World Championships roster. On Wednesday, it was alum Zane Grothe doing the same, advancing as part of the 4x200 free relay.

Grothe, who swam at Auburn from 2010-14 and still holds all of the program's records in the short course-yards distance freestyle events, finished third in the 200-meter freestyle on Wednesday night in a time of 1:46.39 behind winner Townley Haas (1:45.03) and Blake Pieroni (1:46.30). He had the fastest final 50m split at 26.91 and his total time is currently the seventh-fastest in the world this year.

"Zane made all of Auburn proud by making the team in the 200 freestyle," Auburn head coach Brett Hawke said.

Current swimmer Aly Tetzloff also competed in an A Final on Wednesday after qualifying eighth in the 50m butterfly in 26.74. She shaved .17 seconds off that time out of lane 8 in the finals to finish sixth in 26.57.

"Tonight was all about attitude," Tetzloff said. "Going into tonight I just wanted to move up from eighth. With the team and the energy - behind the blocks I was laughing and smiling and having a good time. It was great to see my teammates on the side cheering me on."

Apple, who made the team as part of the 4x100 free relay on Tuesday, took third in the 200 free B Final in 1:48.39.

Tommy Brewer, who put up the 13th-fastest prelims time of the 200m breaststroke at 2:14.59, finished eighth in the B Final in 2:15.15.

"Awesome swimming tonight from our team," Auburn head coach Brett Hawke said. "Aly's performance in the A Final of the 50 fly sets her up perfectly for her 100 tomorrow. Zach and Tommy had great swims in the 200s. I'm really happy with our meet so far. We are seeing best times all over the pool!"

In other Auburn-related action, Erin Falconer finished 37th in the 200 free (2:02.61), Bryar Long finished 37th in the 200 breast (2:19.51) and Bailey Nero finished 40th in the 50 fly (27.82).

The meet continues on Thursday with the 400 IM, 100 fly and 50s of the breaststroke and backstroke.

Held at the IU Natatorium in Indianapolis, Ind., the 2017 Phillips 66 National Championships and World Championship Trials will serve as the selection event for the USA National Teams competing at the 2017 FINA World Championships, the 2017 World University Games and the 2017 FINA World Junior Championships.