July 1, 2017
Former Auburn swimmer Zane Grothe added another event to his World Championships schedule and Zach Apple just missed out on one as the 2017 USA Team World Championship Trials came to a close on Saturday in Indianapolis.
Grothe, who swam at Auburn from 2010-14, took second in the 800m free in 7:50.97 to add that event to his list for Budapest. He had already claimed a spot in the 400 free and the 4x200 free relay.
Apple, who will be a junior this upcoming season at Auburn, just missed out on a second event as he finished fourth in the 50m free in 22.00. The fastest American sprinter in Auburn history, he will swim on the 4x100 free relay in Budapest.
"It was a fantastic meet for Auburn swimming," Auburn head coach Brett Hawke said. "From the 50 to the 1500 we had amazing swims. We brought a small but mighty group who performed all week long.
"We keep taking steps forward," Hawke said. "We are so extremely proud of Zach Apple for making his first US National Team and we can't wait to watch him swim in Budapest with the other 10 Auburn swimmers we will have at the meet."
Ashley Neidigh had a second straight solid showing, finishing 12th in the 1500 free a day after placing eighth in the 400 free. Her time on Saturday of 16:32.76 was second-fastest in her heat.
Ashton Ellzey was in a three-way tie for 17th coming out of the prelims of the 50 free after swimming a 25.70. After a swim-off swim of 26.14, she scratched from the C Final.
Aly Tetzloff was one spot out of the 50 free C Final after a 25.85 prelims swim won her heat but was 25th overall.
Zoe Thatcher swam a 2:18.33 to finish 40th and Bailey Nero a 2:18.66 to finish 43rd, both in the 200 IM.
"I'm really happy with the job the coaching staff is doing getting our team working together and performing to their potential," Hawke said.
Held at the IU Natatorium in Indianapolis, Ind., the 2017 Phillips 66 National Championships and World Championship Trials served 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.
The 2017 FINA World Championships will be held July 14-30 in Budapest. The swimming events will be held July 23-30 at the Danube Arena.