March 5, 2009

AUSTIN, Texas (SMU)-SMU men's swimming had several impressive performances on the first day of the Austin Grand Prix on Thursday, March 5 at the Joe Jamail Swimming Center, where SMU earned an automatic bid to the NCAA Championships for their effort in the 200 free relay.

Swimming in a 50-meter course, a team of junior Thomas Fadnes, senior Luka Vrtovec, freshman Robin Andreasson, and freshman Walter Rumans clocked a fast 1:29.98 to win the 200 free relay, finishing three seconds ahead of the competition. Leading off the relay, Fadnes became the first Norwegian to break 23 seconds in the 50 free and set a Norwegian national record (22.88).

In the 400 free, senior Chris Ginder swam a lifetime-best in the `B' Final, clocking in at 4:06.58 to finish fifth. Also swimming a lifetime-best, junior Edward Downes tied for second in the 100 fly `B' final with a time of 56.58. In the 50 free `C' final, freshman Walter Rumans placed first coming in at 23.87.

The Mustangs return to the pool on Friday to compete in the 200 medley relay, 400 IM, 200 free, and 100 back, with prelims starting at 9:30 a.m. at the Joe Jamail Swimming Center.