Aug. 11, 2015

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SPRINGFIELD - The Missouri State men's and women's swimming and diving teams were well represented in competition this weekend as events wrapped up for a few current and former Bears swimmers.

The 2015 FINA World Championships in Kazan, Russia, ended for the Bears with men's swimmer Uvis Kalnins competing in three events. The senior's opening race of the Championships - the 200-meter individual medley - was just one of his highlights. With a lifetime-best 2:00.39 in the prelims, Kalnins finished just .11 seconds from automatically qualifying for the Olympics. His 17th-place showing in the event was also one spot shy of advancing to the finals.

Kalnins served as the anchor leg of Latvia's 4x100m medley relay team which set a national record time with a 3:45.48 finish. Kalnins wrapped up competition in Kazan Sunday, Aug. 9, swimming the 400 IM in a time of 4:26.17 for 34th overall.

Former Bear Paul Le represented Vietnam in the World Championships and also took part in three events. His best finish came in the 200-meter backstroke, with the 2014-15 Missouri State senior placing 32nd in 2:04.78. He also placed 36th in the 50 back (26.14) and 44th in the 100 back (56.95).

Junior Lauren Pavel was also in action on the women's side. The 2014-15 Missouri Valley Conference Swimmer of the Year competed at the Phillips 66 National Championships in San Antonio. Pavel took part in the 100 breast and finished in a time of 1:12.70.

The Bears' 2015-16 regular season schedule begins on Friday, Oct. 2, with the Missouri Show-Me Showdown in Columbia. Missouri State hosts four meets at Hammons Student Center in October, beginning with a dual against Evansville on Friday, Oct. 9.

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