Laskowski Sweeps Diving Events Against No. 9 Michigan

Nov. 19, 2004

EAST LANSING, Mich. - Senior Justin Laskowski (Bay City, Mich.) captured two first-place finishes in the diving events Friday, but the Michigan State men's swimming and diving team dropped its third consecutive dual meet to No. 9 Michigan, 132-112, at the Charles McCaffree Pool. With the loss, MSU falls to 1-4 (1-1 Big Ten), while Michigan improves to 3-0 (2-0 Big Ten) on the season.

"I'm encouraged on some levels because we had two pretty decent relay times tonight, and I think we swam okay up front," said MSU head coach Matt Gianiodis. "We have a number of people on this team who need to realize that when they have an opportunity, they have to step it up."

Laskowski posted a sweep of the one-meter (308.40) and the three-meter (303.45) events and his score in the one-meter board qualified him for the NCAA Regionals. Sophomore diver Matt Akerley (Marquette, Mich.) finished second in the one-meter (286.95) and the three-meter (282.30) boards.

Junior Ian Clutten (Capetown, South Africa) finished first in the 100 breaststroke (55.07) for the Spartans. Freshman Adam Schmitt (Grand Haven, Mich.) placed second in the 100 freestyle (46.68), third in the 50 free (25.51) and third in the 100 breast (58.75).

Junior Matt Wisniewski (Plymouth, Mich.) finished second in the 50 free (21.25), junior Bryant Steele (Novi, Mich.) placed second in the 100 butterfly (51.61) and junior Rudolf Wagenaar (Capetown, South Africa) took second place in the 100 backstroke (52.55).

"Our divers did a fantastic job as they did against Iowa and Ian's time in the 100 breaststroke was very good tonight," said Gianiodis.

The MSU `A' team of Clutten, Wisniewski, Wagenaar and junior Nick Harley (Rockford, Mich.) won the 200 medley relay (1:32.09). Wisniewski, Wagenaar, senior Patrick Saucedo (Jackson, Mich.) and sophomore David Lessard (Birmingham, Mich.) captured first-place honors in the 200 free relay (1:24.82).

The MSU men next host Western Kentucky in a non-conference dual meet at the Charles McCaffree Pool Saturday at noon.