Session Three Results

SOUTH BEND, Ind. – The Missouri State men's swimming and diving team, highlighted by seniors Blair Bish and Artur Osvath, set three pool records to wrap up the final day of competition at the Shamrock Invitational in South Bend, Ind.

Osvath set both the Rolfs Aquatic Center and MSU team record with a time of 1:53.68 in a 200 breaststroke time trial. The time is currently tied for fifth in the country and will guarantee him a spot in the NCAA Championships.

He concluded his final regular season meet by posting a 1:43.98 in the 200 butterfly, setting yet another pool and MSU team record.

"I am so happy for Artur to post a time that will get him to the NCAA Championships," said Head Coach Dave Collins. "He works extremely hard, so to see it come together for him was special."

Yesterday, duo Bish and Osvath provided the 1-2 punch for the Bears in the 100 breaststroke, with Bish taking the top spot with a time of 52.84. His first-place finish was the only one for the Bears on day one.

Reigning Mid-American Conference Swimmer of the Week Osvath followed closely behind Bish, clocking in at 53.12, a career-best for the senior.

Both times came in under the pool record of 53.21, which was previously set by Osvath last year. Bish's time was recorded as the reigning Rolf Aquatic Center record.

"I like the lessons we were able to take from the meet and am looking forward to the MAC Championships in March," said Bish.

In the lone team event of the day, Lucas Paloschi, Samuel Senn, Bish, and Osvath picked up ninth in the 400 freestyle relay at 3:03.96.

On the diving side, John David Spence placed seventh on the 3-meter boards with a score of 267.00.

"The divers continue to show great potential and overall improvement," said diving coach Jim Huelskamp. "I feel we are on the right track for the upcoming conference championships."

Ohio State won the Shamrock Invitational with 1,397 points. Host Notre Dame finished runner-up with 826.5 points, followed closely by Iowa with 780.5. Missouri State rounded out the competitors with 407 points.

"We handled ourselves well this weekend in this condensed racing format," said Collins. "As we approach the conference championships, we will continue to train and improve."

The Bears will resume competition at the MAC Championships from March 4-7 in Oxford, Ohio.