Feb. 16, 2007

COLLEGE STATION, Texas -- For the third straight day, defending Big 12 champion Texas (766) is leading the men's competition, while Texas A&M women (651) lead at the 2007 Big 12 Swimming & Diving Championships at the Student Rec Center Natatorium.

A balanced effort from the Longhorn men helped them maintain the lead. In relay action Jeremy Harris, Matthew Lowe, Tyler O' Halloran and Garrett Weber Gale (1:18.44) recorded an NCAA automatic-qualifying time for their 200 freestyle relay.

Individually, Texas swept victories in every swimming event of the evening. Sophomore, Michael Klueh recorded a meet record and automatic time with his 3:45.93 swim in the 400 individual medley. Rick Berens carded an automatic qualifying time in the 100 butterfl y (46.97) while teammate Matt McGinnis set a meet record and qualifying time in the 200 freestyle (1:34.37). Rounding off the Longhorn victories this evening was Tyler O'Halloran (54.10) in the 100 breaststroke and Thomas Sacco (47.70) in the 100 backstroke.

In diving action, Eric Sehn (Texas A&M) won the three-meter diving title with 412.65. The 2005 and 2006 Big 12 Championships Outstanding Diver of the Meet's trailing competition was second place, Mike Wong of Texas with 335.90. On the women's side, Texas A&M swept all of the swimming events of the evening. In relay action, Julia Wilkinson, Christine Marshall, Rebecca Sturdy and Triin Aljand (200 freestyle relay) claimed the title in the event with an automatic time of 1:30.08.

Melissa Hain (400 individual medley) and Alia Atkinson (100 breaststroke) set meet records with their 4:11.11 and 1:00.29 automatic qualifying times. Rebecca Sturdy claimed victory in the 100 butterfl y with her automatic qualifying time of 53:10, while teammate Christine Marshall claimed the 200 freestyle (1:46.41). Rounding off the Aggie victories was sophomore, Julia Wilkinson in the 100 backstroke (53.99)with another automatic time.

In women diving, Mary Yarrison led the way with 330.20 points.

The final day of competition will resume Saturday at 10 a.m. with preliminary action , while the finals are scheduled for 5 p.m. The Big 12 team champions will be crowned at the conclusion of the event in addition to the post-meet individual honors voted on by the conference coaches.

For complete results visit the Big 12 web site at big12sports.com.

TEAM STANDINGS

Men
1. Texas: 766
2. Texas A&M: 556
3. Missouri: 491

Women
1. Texas A&M: 651
1. Texas: 633
3. Kansas: 293.50
4. Missouri: 268
5. Iowa State: 221
6. Nebraska: 217.50

Attendance: 752

FRIDAY CHAMPIONS

! - Big 12 Championships Meet Record; $ - NCAA Championships Automatic-Qualifying Time; # - NCAA Championships Consideration Time; NCAA Zone Diving Qualifying Score

Men
One-Meter Diving: Eric Sehn, So., Texas A&M - 396.05
400-Yard IM: Michael Klueh, So., Texas - 3:45.93!$
100-Yard Butterfl y: Rick Berens, Fr., Texas - 46.97$
200-Yard Freestyle: Matthew McGinnis, Jr., Texas - 1:34.37!$
100-Yard Breaststroke: Tyler O'Halloran, Sr., Texas - 54.10#
100-Yard Backstroke: Thomas Sacco, Sr, Texas - 47.70#
200-Yard Freestyle Relay: Texas - 1:18.44$ (Jeremy Harris, Matthew Lowe, Tyler O'Halloran, Garrett Weber-Gale)

Women
400-Yard IM: Melissa Hain, Fr., Texas A&M - 4:11.11!$
100-Yard Butterfl y: Rebecca Sturdy, Sr., Texas A&M - 53.10$
200-Yard Freestyle: Christine Marshall, So., Texas A&M - 1:46.41$
100-Yard Breaststroke: Alia Atkinson, Fr., Texas A&M - 1:00.29!$
100-Yard Backstroke: Julia Wilkinson, Fr., Texas A&M - 54.46$
One-meter Diving: Mary Yarrison, Jr., Texas - 330.20
200-Yard Freestyle Relay: Texas A&M - 1:30.08$ (Julia Wilkinson, Christine Marshall, Rebecca Sturdy, Triin Aljand)