The MCC men's and women's swimming and diving teams wrapped up yet another successful season this weekend, culminating in a second consecutive runner-up finish for the women and a second straight individual national champ for the men.
The Lady Tribunes finished second overall with 470 points. Host Indian River CC won their 26th consecutive national title, leading the way with 948 points.
On the men's side, Indian River finished with 1113.5 points to run its amazing national championship streak to 33 years. MCC finished fourth with 265.
One of the highlights of the weekend was turned in by MCC freshman Daniel Branca (Panama). Branca won the national title in the men's 1650-yard freestyle in a time of 16:05.46. His finals time was almost 43 seconds faster than his qualifying time.
Branca actually trailed at the start of the race. But he made his move about halfway through and stayed strong until the end, opening up a pool's-length lead and winning by more than 20 seconds. Branca also placed second in the 500 free in a school-record time of 4:33.56.
Caitlin McNamara (Brighton, NY/Brighton) was the highest individual placer for the women. The sophomore was third in the 1650 free (19:34.43) and fourth in the 500 free (5:38.67).
Tom Garigen
Athletics
03/11/2008 |