Spartans in Contention Following Day One of Delta State Invitational

CLEVELAND, Miss. - After the first day of competition at the annual Delta State Invitational, The University of Tampa men's and women's swimming teams are both within striking distance of the top. UT has also captured several national qualifying times in the first of three days at DSU.

At the end of day one, the Spartan men are second overall with 244 points as it trails Missouri State (340). The wo men are third overall at 225, behind Missouri State (353) and Delta State (271).

Jessie Bardin won the 500 Freestyle in a national "A" cut time of 5:01.53. Jennifer Jenkins won the 200 IM in a national "B" cut time of 2:10.08. Stephanie Branham won the 50 Free in a national "B" time of 24.14 while missing the "A" cut by .15.

In the mens 500 Freestyle, Chris O'Linger won while registering a new school record and a national "A" cut time of 4:29.92. Tyler Furrer was 4:37.46 and Blaine Bess 4:41.30, which were both national "B" cuts.

In the morning session, Mike Lewis (200 IM) made a National "A" cut with a time of 1:53.29. Kyle Merritt also broke a school record, leading off the 400 Medley Relay with a National "A" cut of 50.17.

Standings (Day One)
Women
Missouri State, 353
Delta State, 271
Tampa, 225
New Orleans, 99
Lambuth, 28

Men
Missouri State, 340
Tampa, 244
Delta State, 194
Lambuth, 2