The Irish did not take long to bring home a new school record at the NCAA championships Thursday, as sophomore Frank Dyer recorded the best 500-yard freestyle in school history.
Dyer - who finished in 44th place in the event last season - jumped to 19th place in his second year at nationals with a time of 4:17.19. The top-16 finishers qualify for the finals, while the next two serve as alternates.
With the school record, Dyer regained his title as the fastest swimmer of the event in the Big East, beating out Louisville senior Riley Martin.
"It was really special because he was one of the biggest competitors from Louisville in December," Dyer said. "[Since then], I have strived to get better - not to beat him, but to get back the record that I held last year. It's pretty good to get a best time at this meet."
Dyer said the 235 swimmers competing at the Weyerhaeuser King County Aquatic Center in Federal Way, Wash., have been the best competition he has faced this season.
"This is the Division I national championship, so you can pretty much imagine that any good swimmer - American or foreign - is at this meet," Dyer said. "[Irish junior Bill Bass] and I have probably met the best swimmers in the country, and it's one of the best meets to make in the country, so it's pretty cool."
The reigning Big East Most Outstanding Swimmer, Bass competed in the 200-yard individual medley. He earned 36th place, with a time of 1:47.41. After undergoing shoulder surgery nearly a year ago, Bass said he is proud of the recovery he has made.
"I didn't swim that good this morning," Bass said. "I added a couple seconds, but just with my shoulder recovering, I'm kind of just happy to be here at this point."
Bass said he is looking to enjoy his first-ever appearance at the NCAA championships, and is not worrying too much about results.
"Today I was swimming my best event," he said. "I'm just looking to get some better times [this weekend]. I'm looking to get the experience and have a good time in the process."
Dyer will compete in the 200-yard freestyle today, while Bass competes in the 100-yard butterfly.
"I was happy with my swim today," Dyer said. "I think it puts me in a good position for [today]. They are races I think I can really do well in [today] and Saturday."
Competition continues Saturday, when Dyer and Bass look to place in the 100-yard free stroke and the 200-yard butterfly respectively.
Contact Megan Golden at mgolde01@saintmarys.edu
