The Missouri State men's and women's swimming and diving teams are dominant at the Delta State Christmas Invitational, in Cleveland, Miss. Through event 28, Missouri State leads the women's side of the meet with 675 points, followed by Tampa (382), Ouachita Baptist (361), Delta State (320), Evansville (276), and Spring Hill College (131). Missouri State is also leading the men's side of the meet with 611.50 points, followed by Delta State (471), Ouachita Baptist (344.50), Tampa (319), Evansville (217), and Spring Hill College (115).
Liz Geisler sparked a first-place win in the 200-yard freestyle, setting a new Missouri State varisity record in 1:51.65. Ericka Norgren was the previous owner of the record, setting it at the 2004 MVC Championship in 1:52.25. Kyla Meuer also had a record-breaking performance, earning a win in the 100-yard breaststroke and setting a new MSU record in 1:04.86. The record was previously held by Brianne McGuirk in 1:05.34, set at the 2003 MVC Championship.
Allison Zeller, Jordan Hawkins and Francy Palma had a one-two-three sweep in the 100-yard backstroke, all of who swam times faster than the Missouri State varsity record time of 58.39. Zeller came out on top, earning the new MSU record in 56.80. Hawkins finished a close second in 57.72 and Palma earned third in 58.16. The previous record was set Dec. 18, 2004, at the Delta State Christmas Invitational by Zeller.
In the 400-yard IM, Jody Jelen had a first-place victory, touching the wall in 4:37.11. Andi Rojas swam to a first-place finish in the 100-yard butterfly, with a time of 57.13. The women's 200-yard medley relay and 800-yard freestyle relay both finished first in times of 1:46.47 and 7:35.34, respectively.
On the men's side of the meet, A.J. Goertzen was a winner in the 400-yard IM, finishing in a time of 4:03.56. Victor Serra won the 100-yard butterfly in 49.29 and Matt Beasley won the 200-yard freestyle in 1:38.05. The Bears were dominant in the 100-yard backstroke, with Mitch Richards taking first (50.21), Tony Freeman finishing second (51.18), and Eduardo Pajares a close third (51.23). Seth Johnson was a first-place winner in the 100-yard breaststroke, touching the wall in 56.78. The men's 200-yard medley relay and 800-yard freestyle relay finished first, with times of 1:31.03 and 6:45.09, respectively.
Stacey Arkovich and Cole Kalkbrenner were named the Divers of the Meet. Arkovich finished first on the three-meter board with a score of 423.05 and Kalkbrenner was also the winner with a score of 444.10.
The Bears’ teams with be back in competition Monday, Dec. 19, at 4 p.m., for the conclusion of the Delta State Christmas Invitational.
