Michigan State University
US Winter Nationals
Spartans Break Records at US Winter Nationals
12/3/2016 12:00:00 AM | Swimming and Diving
EAST LANSING, Mich. - The Michigan State swimming & diving team sent seven individuals to the US Winter Nationals in Atlanta, Georgia. The Spartans put on a show, broke individual records, and landed five all-time top ten swims.
"This was a jump off of our exceptional weekend last weekend. We took seven athletes, two women, five men. There were teams all over the world, of all age groups, college and professional, which is hosted by USA Swimming. We had a record setting weekend. It was a huge success of a weekend, and we really enjoyed our time in Atlanta," said associate head coach Kathleen Milloy.
Michigan State had three A final swims, which requires a finish in the top eight. Junior Rachel Bukowski, senior Alec Kandt, and freshman Scott Piper all accomplished this feat throughout the weekend's events.
Piper broke two freshman records this weekend in the 400 IM and the 200 fly. He swam to a finishing time of 3:50.32 in the 400 IM and 1:48.18 in the 200 fly for an eighth place finish and medal.
"Scott had an incredible meet for such a young guy. He is really starting his career as a Spartan on fire, and that's really great," said Milloy.
Senior Alec Kandt finished the weekend with one top eight finish, and broke a school record. Kandt broke his previous school record in the 100 breast with a fifth place finish on a time of 53.26, which was previously 53.27.
On the women's side, junior Racheal Bukowski broke two school records in the 50 and 100 free. She broke her own record in the 50 free with a time of 22.72. Bukowski also broke Summer Strickler's record in the 100 free with a time of 49.86.
"Alec and Racheal represented Michigan State at the college all-star meet, they had great meets there and they really brought it to another record this week. Both Alec and Racheal are set up to try to qualify at the NCAA's," said Milloy.
Sophomore Cathryn Armstrong rounded out the recording breaking this weekend with a 12th place finish in the 100 back. She finished with a time of 54.14 as the previous record was 54.92.
Michigan State returns to action as a team on January 13th when the team travels to Purdue for a duel meet. The meet is set to begin at 6 p.m. ET.
Players Mentioned
