Feb. 17, 2010
PITTSBURGH, Pa. – The Fighting Irish 800 free relay squad took home the gold Wednesday evening at Trees Pool to kickoff the swimming portion of the 2010 BIG EAST Conference Championships. Notre Dame pounded through in 6:28.48, just over a second from its school-record performance of 6:27.19 set in 2009. The Irish went on to set a school record in the 200 medley relay to wrap up the evening.
Notre Dame looks to continue a recent BIG EAST trend as the winner of the 800 free relay has gone on to capture the team title in each of the last four years. The Irish are also hoping to defend their 2009 conference title.
“Winning the 800 free relay is always exciting, and our 200 medley relay placed higher than last year while setting a University record,” Irish head coach Tim Welsh said. “Looking at things from that point of view, we’ll take it. There is still a lot of swimming to go, but this was a very good start for us.”
Official scores and results were not available for the final race as a protest was filed in regards to the 200 medley relay finish.
The second day of swimming action will begin Thursday (Feb. 18) at Trees Pool with preliminary races starting at 10 a.m. (ET). Live stats will be available at UND.com.
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800 Free Relay: John Lytle, Steven Brus, Andrew Hoffman and MacKenzie LeBlanc teamed for the NCAA B-cut in 6:28.48 … Brus gave Notre Dame the lead for good after going 1:36.52 from the second position.
200 Medley Relay: Petar Petrovic, Christopher Johnson, Bill Bass and Joshua Nosal slid under the previous school record (1:29.09) with a 1:28.96.
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