ATHENS, Ga. — Senior Evan Martinec recorded one of the best swim’s in the Southeastern Conference’s prestigious history, sprinting out in front of the country’s best swimmers in the 100-yard backstroke. By the time he touched the wall, 46.23 seconds later, the six-time All-American had shattered an SEC record with the second-fastest time by a collegiate swimmer in the event this year to highlight day one of the conference championships.
Martinec had won the race by the first 50 yards, blowing past All-Americans Bryce Hunt (Auburn) and Gabe Mangabeira (Florida). With the time, the Tacoma, Wash. native broke his own school record, collected a NCAA “A” cut time and became the first LSU swimmer to become a 100-back champion since Neil Harper did so in 1986.
“This is just a great feeling,” said Martinec. “You really hype yourself up for a race like this. I have always wanted that SEC record, and I have always wanted to be the champion.”
The last time an LSU swimmer walked away as an outright SEC champion, in any event, was in 1998 by former Tiger great Jarrod Marrs.
“This is just a really sweet victory,” said an elated LSU head coach Jeff Cavana. “He works harder than anyone I have ever coached. I really can’t tell you how proud I am of him.”
Assistant coach Amanda Norton echoed Cavana’s words.
“What a great start after day one,” said Norton. “I was nervous at the start but then he just pulled away, and we all (coaches) started jumping up and down.”
Both the LSU men and women finished the day with 57 points a piece. The men finished tied for seventh with Alabama, while the women are tied for sixth with Arkansas.
While Martinec created a stir among the crowd, several other Tigers had impressive performances during Wednesday’s opening events.
Jared Strecker, also swimming in the 100-yard backstroke, qualified for the finals during the morning preliminary session with a time of 49.48. Strecker improved by .04 seconds in the finals to finish 11th. The junior’s time of 49.44 was the sixth-best mark in school history.
Jessica Wantz, in just her third meet since her neck injury, delivered a memorable performance in women’s 1-meter diving. Wantz had been injured for most of the season with little time to prepare for the meet. The Houston, Texas native placed sixth in the finals with a score of 268.35, improving after her morning session of 263.10.
“She was excellent, considering how short her training time has been since her injury,” said diving coach Doug Shaffer. “Jessica certainly proved what she is capable of, even with little time to prepare.”
Freshmen Hali Saucier and Alyson Carlyon, just missed qualifying for the finals in their first SEC Championship appearance. Carlyon placed 10th (248.10), while Saucier finished 12th (245.80).
“To be that close to the top eight as freshmen is something to be proud of,” said Shaffer. “They are competing against some of the best divers in the country.”
Alabama All-American Lane Bassham continued her dominance in diving by winning the event with a score of 298.25.
Ross Hebert qualified for the men’s 50-yard freestyle consolation final after falling .03 seconds short of a NCAA “B” cut time (20.36). Hebert placed fifth with a time of 20.39, while Auburn’s Fred Bousquet won the super final (19.48).
Lindsay Staak took fourth-place honors in the women’s 100-yard backstroke consolation final (56.57).
Freshman Colleen Bertirotti set a personal-best time of 23.74 during the prelims of the 50-yard freestyle. The San Antonio, Texas native finished 20th out of 51 swimmers.
Competition resumes Thursday morning at 10:30 a.m. with the prelims of the 500-yard freestyle, 100-yard butterfly and 100-yard breaststroke.
2004 SEC Swimming and Diving Championships
Gabrielsen Natatorium — Athens, Ga.
MEN’S TEAM RESULTS — DAY ONE
1. Auburn 233
2. Florida 158
3. Georgia 128
4. Tennessee 86
5. Kentucky 78
6. South Carolina 69
T7. LSU, Alabama 52
WOMEN’S TEAM RESULTS — DAY ONE
1. Auburn 229
2. Florida 155
3. Georgia 140
4. South Carolina 77
5. Alabama 71
T6. LSU, Arkansas 57
8. Tennessee 56
9. Kentucky 32.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS — Thursday, Feb. 26
10:30 a.m. Preliminary Swimming Competition
500-yard freestyle
100-yard butterfly
100-yard breaststroke
Preliminary Diving Competition
12:30 p.m. 1-meter diving – men
4:30 p.m. 3-meter diving – women
6:30 p.m. Finals Competition
1-meter diving – men
500-yard freestyle
100-yard butterfly
100-yard breaststroke
3-meter diving – women
400-yard freestyle relay