GREENSBORO, N.C. – Freshman Mikkel Gadgaard and sophomore Nik Eberly both made their NCAA Championships debut Thursday, kicking off the meet for the Auburn men.
Gadgaard began the day with a time of 4:15.32 to place 20th in the 500 freestyle prelims. It was the fourth-fastest time in Auburn history and the second-fastest for Gadgaard who set the program record earlier this month with a time of 4:12.80.
"I think there were some things to be excited about, and at the same time, he's someone who had an opportunity to swim tonight (at finals)," Auburn head coach Gary Taylor said. "I think he knows that, so there's some disappointment. Overall, the last two swims of the season were the two best of his year. What more could you ask for from that standpoint?"
Eberly also swam one of his fastest times of the year in the 50 freestyle Thursday, finishing second in his heat and placing 25th overall with a time of 19.48. The sophomore just missed his career best (19.38) set last month at the SEC Championships.
"I think with Nik as well, you've got a guy that was hungry to come back and swim and get a second opportunity," Taylor said. "He put in a really good performance. I think there's a lot to be proud of and positive about, and at the same time, it left him wanting more to a certain extent."
For Gadgaard and Eberly, it was the first time either had performed at the NCAA Championships.
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Head coach Gary Taylor
On the Auburn trio at the NCAA Men's Championships…
"I think the men that are here are really excited about the opportunity. And then at the same time, I think they fully believe that they deserve to be here and have confidence. These guys really want to dive in and perform and get second opportunities."
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Gadgaard and Eberly will be back in the pool Friday where they will be joined by Auburn junior Christian Sztolcman. Eberly will be up first swimming the 100 butterfly, and then it will be Gadgaard and Eberly representing the Tigers in the 200 freestyle.
Prelims will begin at 9 a.m. CT followed by finals at 5 p.m. CT.
Day 3: Prelims | Finals
Auburn men open NCAA meet with two solid debuts
