AUBURN, Ala. – Between the final day of the AU Invite and the First Chance Meets, head coach Ryan Wochomurka left with plenty of positives as Auburn looks toward the SEC Championships.
Maggie McGuire kicked off Saturday morning inside the James E. Martin Aquatics Center with a sturdy performance in the 200 back. Her 1:57.26 led the Orange and Blue, ahead of Jade Castro (1:58.00) and Annika Finzen (1:58.14).
On the men’s side, it was Andrew Simmons’ 1:42.74 who claimed the second-fastest time of the day and his fastest time this season.
Four Tigers went sub-50 seconds in the women’s 100 free. Bella Ekk led the way with a season-best 49.05 with Izzy Iwasyk (49.39), Kate Murray (49.77) and Wyllo Hanson (49.91) right behind.
Warner Russ dropped a stellar 43.22 in the men’s 100 free to claim the top spot. River Paulk also dropped time to slide into fourth place with a 43.89.
Auburn’s breaststroke group delivered another exceptional effort in the women’s 200 breast. Aislyn Barnett came up with a 2:12.52 to lead Zoey Zeller (2:13.28) and Anastasia Makarova (2:13.67).
Jacques Rathle looks in form ahead of the conference championships next week. His 1:57.24 paced the field in the men’s 200 breast.
Sophomore Carissa Rinard continues to lead the 200 fly for the women. Her 1:58.10 was more than enough to out-touch teammates Morgan Carteaux (1:58.54) and Casey Cullen (1:58.91).
Meanwhile, freshman Andy Commins rush to the wall in the men’s 200 fly with a lifetime best 1:45.67, outracing Lucas Thomas (1:46.41) and Jack Ailshire (1:46.73).
Ashlynn Morr made it 3-3 with personal bests across the weekend. Morr led the women’s milers with a 17:16.65.
When the day transitioned over to the First Chance meet, Kara West provided sparks with her 50 free. At 23.04, West narrowly beat fellow Tiger Izzy Iwasyk (23.05).
In the women’s 100 fly, it was Taylor Grimley who dropped a season-best 52.93 to give the home fans something to cheer about.
Jack Ailshire earned the fastest time on the men’s side with a 47.23, just ahead of Sam Empey (47.24).
The men’s 200 free was dominated by Warner Russ. A stout 1:35.08 gave Russ a positive note to end his meet on.
Annika Finzen provided some fireworks of her own, dropping a personal-best 1:00.24 in the 100 breast.
Auburn threw up another season-best in the 200 back courtesy of Amie Perna. Her 1:57.79 was almost three seconds faster than the next closest swimmer.
Finishing the meet in style, Britton Spann picked up the final NCAA B cut, dropping a 1:56.66 in the 200 breast.
Over in the diving well, Campbell Long, Ava Jendritz and Chloe Brothers had big afternoons. Long dialed up a 309.90 on the 3-meter with Jendritz close behind at 291.30. Brothers conjured a massive 298.95 on platform to earn her career high.
Head diving coach John Fox’s men came up with strong performances as well. Alex Just led the way on the 3-meter with a 354.53, outdueling teammate David Hatt (352.65). Just was equally as good on the platform, putting together a 372.45.
The Tigers will get one week of rest before heading to Athens, Georgia for the 2025 SEC Championships, Feb. 17-22.