Southern Illinoise University Athletics
Southern Illinois University
Kentucky/Missouri
Men's Swimming & Diving defeats Kentucky in tri-meet
10/16/2010 | 12:00:00 | Swimming & Diving
Oct. 16, 2010
By Dana Ingraham
SIUSalukis.com
CARBONDALE, Ill. - Southern Illinois swimming and diving coach Rick Walker recorded his first career victory against the University of Kentucky as the Saluki men topped UK as part of a tri-meet at Dr. Edward J. Shea Natatorium.
Southern was joined by Kentucky and Missouri for its first combined meet of the season. The SIU men's win over Kentucky was the only team victory for the Salukis on the day, but it was a big one. The men's team combined for nine first-place finishes over the course of the meet.
Csaba Gercsak swam brilliantly in his first collegiate appearance, notching first-place finishes in the 1000 free by nearly 10 seconds, as well as the 500 free.
All-MAC first-team performers Matt Parsons and Matt Kruse joined the winner's circle with individual victories in the 200 fly and 200 free. Parsons also finished second in the 100 free.
Justin Wolfe took top honors in the 100 fly while El Badrawi finished first in the 100 free. Justin Ruszkowski dominated the diving events, sweeping both the 1-meter and 3-meter.
The 400 free relay team of Parsons, Wolfe, Kruse and Badrawi finished the day with another decisive victory to close out the day.
On the women's side, Kirsten Groome finished first in the 500 and 1000 free, in addition to a second-place time in the 200 fly. Jessica England and Jennifer Kwok followed in fourth and fifth in the 200 fly.
Isabela Castro placed third in the 100 fly, while Luisa Silveira finished fourth in the 50 free. Jill Weckbach also added a fourth-place finish in the 200 free.
The Salukis will have two weeks off before returning the pool Oct. 30, hosting Missouri Valley and Mid-American Conference rival Missouri State.
Final Team Scores
Combined
Missouri 351.00, Southern Illinois 241.00
Kentucky 340.00, Southern Illinois 251.00
Missouri 312.50, Kentucky 280.50
Men
Missouri 153.00, Southern Illinois 141.00
Southern Illinois 162.00, Kentucky 133.00
Missouri 165.50, Kentucky 128.50
Women
Missouri 198.00, Southern Illinois 100.00
Kentucky 207.00, Southern Illinois 89.00
Kentucky 152.00, Missouri 147.00
Players Mentioned
