CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – The Virginia Tech H2Okies were highlighted by NCAA “B” cuts in each event and a new school record on day two of competition at the ACC Men’s Swimming Championships on Thursday at Koury Natatorium.
Tech placed three in the top 20 in the 500 freestyle, earning two NCAA “B” qualifying cuts. Blake Trabuchi-Downey paced the H2Okies with the team’s best finish of the season, taking 13th in 4:25.49. Bryan Uncur also posted a “B” cut, finishing 18th in 4:28.16. Philip LaRosa placed 20th for the H2Okies.
Freshman Gregory Mahon stepped up to lead the men in the 200 IM, placing 10th with a school-record time of 1:47.40. Mahon broke current teammate Daniel Flynn’s record time and collected an NCAA “B” cut. Tom Sheranek finished 16th and was the final point scorer in the event.
The H2Okies captured another “B” cut in the 50 free, as Karl Botha earned an eighth-place finish in 20.19, marking the fastest time by a Hokie this season.
Tech closed out Thursday’s competition with a sixth-place finish in the 200 freestyle relay with a “B” qualifying time of 1:21.12. Botha, Stephen Hawkins, Richard Ulatowski and Chip Hughes teamed up for a season-best finish.
At the halfway point of competition, Tech sits in fifth with 126 points. Virginia is in first with 266 points, while North Carolina and Florida State hold the respective second and third spots.
Tech will return for the third day of competition on Friday to compete in the 400 IM, 100 butterfly, 200 freestyle, 100 breaststroke and 100 backstroke events. Prelims will begin at 11 am, followed by the finals at 7 pm. Live results will be available at http://www.theacc.com/championships/10-sd-championship.html
For updates on Virginia Tech swimming & diving, follow the Hokies on Twitter (@VT_SwimDive).