Oct. 8, 2010
South Bend, Ind. -
The Illinois State swimming and diving team placed second with 196 points in the Dennis Stark Relays Friday, October 8, in South Bend, Ind. The Redbirds earned a first place finish in the 400-yard medley relay and multiple second place finishes throughout the meet. The team also achieved several season best times during the competition.
Illinois State placed second with 196 points, finishing ahead of Valparaiso (118) and St. Mary's (112), while falling only to Notre Dame (220).
ISU head coach Steve Paska was impressed with the consistency the athletes displayed throughout the events.
"The team has been swimming with consistency tonight and throughout the last couple of weeks," Paska said. "Ashley Bachler, Jillian Olson, Amy Schaefer, Morgan Buechele and Danielle Schumacher all raced really well tonight and have shown that they are true competitors this season."
Senior Molly Gomberg and sophomores Sarah Rendek, Tori Alland and Morgan Buechele placed first in the 400-yard medley relay with a time of 4:04.33. Alland also achieved a season best time for the 500-yard freestyle (5:06.41) during the 1000-yard freestyle relay. Freshman Erica Halley had two season best swims in the 50-yard freestyle (24.88) and 100-yard backstroke (1:00.91) during her relays.
"Tori swam in the 200-yard freestyle relay, 400-yard medley relay and 800-yard freestyle relay back to back to start off the meet," Paska said. "Then she led off the 1000-yard freestyle relay where she had another outstanding performance and season best time. She has been a very consistent swimmer with a number of sound performances over the last three weeks."
Illinois State diving coach Phil Hoffman was pleased with the Redbirds diving relay results.
"I was happy with the team effort that was on display tonight," Hoffmann said. "I hope this format helps lead into the competition of the next couple weeks and look forward to see how the divers compete."
GoRedbirds.com: Your online source for Illinois State Athletics, tickets, Weisbecker Scholarship Fund gifts, multimedia, Redbird merchandise, photos and more.
Dennis Stark Relay Results 
###
