The No. 4-ranked Indiana University men’ swimming and diving team had a successful prelim session at the 2017 NCAA Championships at the IU Natatorium on Thursday morning in Indianapolis, Ind.
200 Freestyle Relay
In the 200 freestyle relay prelims, the IU team of Ali Khalafalla, Blake Pieroni, Sam Lorentz and Josh Romany set the school record, qualifying sixth overall for the Championship Final with a time of 1:16.53.
500 Freestyle
Marwan Elkamash had a terrific swim in the prelims of the 500 freestyle, setting the Indiana school record with a time of 4:11.84. Elkamash will be the No. 6 seed for Thursday night’s Championship Final.
200 IM
In the 200 IM prelims, Vini Lanza qualified for the Consolation Final with a time of 1:42.44, earning the No. 12 seed. Lanza’s mark is the third-best time in school history.
Ian Finnerty placed 25th overall with a time of 1:44.61, while Mohamed Samy took 33rd with a mark of 1:45.62.
50 Freestyle
Ali Khalafalla had a great swim in the 50 freestyle prelims, placing 11th to earn a spot in the Consolation Final of the event with a time of 19.13. Khalafalla’s mark is the third-best time in school history.
Blake Pieroni had an excellent effort in the prelims, touching in a personal-best time of 19.39 that ranks him as the second-best performer in the event at IU. Pieroni, who entered as the No. 43 seed, improved by 20 places, taking 23rd overall. Anze Tavcar placed 51st in the event with a time of 20.45.
400 Medley Relay
In the 400 medley relay, IU’s team of Bob Glover, Ian Finnerty, Vini Lanza and Blake Pieroni qualified third overall for the Championship Final with a time of 3:03.84.
On the leadoff 100 backstroke leg, Glover set a personal-best with his split of 45.86. With his mark, Glover ranks as the fourth-best performer in the event in school history.
1-Meter Dive
IU had a great showing in the 1-meter dive prelims, as both James Connor and Michael Hixon qualified for Thursday night’s Championship Final. Connor qualified third overall with a score of 396.30, while Hixon qualified fifth with a total of 384.70.
Cody Coldren finished 26th overall with a score of 302.15.
The No. 4 Indiana Hoosiers will continue competition at the 2017 NCAA Championships on Thursday evening at 6:00 p.m. ET with the finals of the 200 freestyle relay, 500 freestyle, 200 IM, 50 freestyle, 400 medley relay and 1-meter dive.
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200 Freestyle Relay
Ali Khalafalla, Blake Pieroni, Sam Lorentz, Josh Romany – 1:16.53 (School Record – Championship Final)
500 Freestyle
Marwan Elkamash – 4:11.84 (School Record – Championship Final)
200 IM
Vini Lanza – 1:42.44 (Consolation Final)
- Ian Finnerty – 1:44.61
- Mohamed Samy – 1:45.62
50 Freestyle
Ali Khalafalla – 19.13 (Consolation Final)
- Blake Pieroni – 19.39
- Anze Tavcar – 20.45
400 Medley Relay
Bob Glover, Ian Finnerty, Vini Lanza, Blake Pieroni – 3:03.84 (Championship Final)
1-Meter Dive
James Connor – 396.30 (Championship Final)
Michael Hixon – 384.70 (Championship Final)
- Cody Coldren – 302.15
