The Virginia men’s swimming and diving team achieved its preseason goal of placing in the top 10 at the NCAA Championship this weekend with a ninth-place finish, the highest finish in program history.
Virginia coach Mark Bernardino emphasized relay performance throughout the season. This focus was evident during the weekend as all five of Virginia’s relay teams raced to All-American honors or received honorable mention, a feat not accomplished since the 2001 Championship meet.
The team’s school-record finish also showcased individual records from several swimmers, including senior Ryan Hurley’s performance in the 200 breastroke. Hurley touched in 1 minute, 53.93 seconds to barely surpass Ed Moses’ former conference and school record of 1:53.99, which was worthy of first place at the 2000 NCAA Championships.
Sophomores Matt McLean and John Snawerdt earned honorable mentions in the 1650 free, finishing in 12th and 14th, respectively. They were not the only sophomores to contribute, as sophomore Scot Robison secured fifth place and All-American honors in the 200 freestyle. Robison, who holds the ACC and school record in the 100 freestyle, earned 14th place in the event. He also swam for the 400 freestyle relay team, which finished 11th with a time of 2:53.29.
Virginia’s sophomores were not the only swimmers integral to the Cavaliers’ ninth-place showing. Sophomore Taylor Smith, along with junior Darren Ankosko and seniors Hurley, Pat Mellors, Pat Reams and Lee Robertson, all placed in their individual events.
—compiled by Chloe Newschwander
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