The Redbird swim team opened its three-day competition at the Akron Invitional with a bang on Thursday morning. Each Illinois State race saw a record fall for the competitor participating. The Birds were led by freshman Kyle Pullman, who posted the second-best time in Illinois State history in the 50 freestyle with a 23.88.
Pullman recorded a second-place finish in the 50, as well as anchoring the second-place 400 medley relay team of Stefanie Starck, Brittany Armstrong and Julie Cocks, which finished in a time of 3:55.71. She also anchored the 200 freestyle relay team of Monique Witkowski, Katie Finan and Lisa Hanrahan, which posted a time of 1:37.40.
Head coach
Steve Paska was pleased with the performance of his swimmers, and excited to see what the rest of the meet holds in store.
Today was a really great start for us, said Paska. We had a great opening day with everyone swimming their season best times. The girls and myself are all excited to have day two and get the divers in here and see what happens.
Besides season bests, however, several Redbirds also recorded their personal best times. Monique Witkowski recorded her best time in the 50 free with a 24.04, while Starck posted a 59.51 for the 100 backstroke to break her personal record. In the 200 IM Simone Leger (2:15.42, 3rd), Breann McCool (2:22.29), Julie Schultz (2:29.35), Casey McKittrick (2:15.45) and Armstrong (2:22.78) recorded best times, while Leger posted a personal best 1:01.11 in the 100 backstroke and Armstrong recorded a 50 freestyle time of 25:36.
The 500 freestyle event saw Katie Finan record a season best time of 5:08.93, to finish in 11th place, with Jenny Klicka (5:09.66, 12th), Jamie Haseman (5:14.85, 23rd) and Stephanie Strzelecki (5:32.20) posting personal records.
As a team the Birds sit in 6th place through 12 events, behind Tulane in fifth, Duquesne in fourth, Ball State in third, Clarion in second and Akron in first.
Swimming action continues at Ocasek Natatorium at 9 a.m. Friday, with finals at 6 p.m. and the Redbird divers hitting the boards for the first time at noon.
