Hawkeyes Remain in Fourth

Nov. 20, 2004

MINNEAPOLIS, MN – The University of Iowa men’s and women’s swimming and diving teams finished the second day of competition at the Minnesota Invitational in fourth place.

The Iowa women’s swimming and diving team had a strong finish in the 200 medley relay. The team of Jennifer Skolaski, Katie Haeger, Kelly Werner and Abby VanMaaren placed fourth with a time of 1:47.36. The 800 freestyle relay team of Katelyn Eustis, Jennifer Skolaski, Abby VanMaaren and Katie Martin placed sixth. In the 400 individual medley the Hawkeye women had two swimmers in the final heat. Seniors Katelyn Eustis (5th) and Kristen Eide (8th) both placed in the top eight. Junior Kelly Werner placed fourth in the 100 butterfly with a time of 57.03. Seniors Kristen Eide and Katie Haeger placed in the top ten of the 100 breaststroke. Eide finished ninth with a time of 1:07.09, while Haeger finished in tenth in 1:07.25. Jennifer Skolaski and Kelly Werner placed two-three in the 100 backstroke, while Caitlin Girdley placed eighth. In the 3-meter diving competition the Hawkeyes also went two-three, with senior Lisette Planken taking second with a score of 517.50 and junior Nanciela Underwood finished third with a 515.30.

The Iowa men’s swimming team climbed one position to fourth in the second day of competition with several strong performances. The 200 medley started the day off with a strong showing in finals of heat A. The team of Andrei Ciurca, Dragos Agache, Alex Boyce and Bryan Rowland finished fourth with a time of 1:35.30. Trevor Haley placed second in the 400 individual medley, with a time of 4:00.41. Haley’s second place finish was tied for the highest finish of any Hawkeye swimmer. Eric Hahn (13th), Nate Keeling (14th) and Alex Boyce (16th) all placed in the top 16 in the 100 butterfly for Iowa. Three Hawkeyes swam in heat A of the finals. Freshman Dragos Agache placed second with a time of 56.09. Seniors Calvin Shelangoski and Elliot Ptasnik placed seventh and eighth. Senior Andrei Ciurca finished eighth in the 100 backstroke in a time of 51.34.

Iowa’s men’s and women’s swimming and diving teams will conclude competition at the Minnesota Invitational tomorrow at the University of Minnesota Aquatics Center. Fans can follow the competition with live stats at www.gophersports.com.

MEN’S TEAM RESULTS (Through Day Two)
1. Minnesota 952.5
2. Purdue 638
3. Wisconsin 440
4. IOWA 266.5
5. North Dakota 229
6. St. Olaf College 77
7. Saint Cloud State 65
8. Gustavus Adolphus 49
9. South Dakota State 30
10. Carleton College 6

WOMEN’S TEAM RESULTS (Through Day Two)
1. Wisconsin 745
2. Minnesota 567
3. Nebraska 441
4. IOWA 418
5. Iowa State 236
6. North Dakota 198
7. Saint Cloud State 63
8. Purdue 60
9. St. Olaf College 32
10. Gustavus Adolphus 22
11. South Dakota State 8