USC men's swimming and diving backed up its first conference title since 1979 with a fourth place finish at the NCAA Championships led by senior stalwart Cristian Quintero, who won the 200y free individual crown and contributed to titles in the 800y free relay and the 400y free relay. Quintero leaves Troy as a six-time NCAA champion and recorded three top 5 finishes individually for the second consecutive year.
Click here for the NCAA recap.
"We crawled our way into the top 4 with some hard work. The guys never gave up," said USC Coach Dave Salo. "Relays are so important and to win both the 400 and 800 is great. To win the relay makes the fourth place that much more special."
The relay titles were a true team effort as Quintero was supported by sophomore Santo Condorelli, freshman Ralf Tribuntsov and sophomore Dylan Carter in the 400y free quartet. Carter took it home for the Trojans who combined for a new school-record.
"It was amazing. Swimming anchor at the NCAAs is like at no other meet," Carter said. "I can't compare it to anything. You don't feel any pain. It was a great experience and I'm glad I got to enjoy it with these guys."
The 800y free relay squad was made up of Quintero, Carter, Michael Domagala and Reed Malone. This time, Malone closed the show for the repeat title, which was another new USC record.
"I just wanted to do my best for the team," said Malone. "That's what I was thinking about the whole race, doing it for the guys I train with every day. Doing it for the group and when the race is close, I want to do it for my brothers. I was so excited for the opportunity and I'm proud of the whole team."
Click here for the NCAA recap.
"We crawled our way into the top 4 with some hard work. The guys never gave up," said USC Coach Dave Salo. "Relays are so important and to win both the 400 and 800 is great. To win the relay makes the fourth place that much more special."
The relay titles were a true team effort as Quintero was supported by sophomore Santo Condorelli, freshman Ralf Tribuntsov and sophomore Dylan Carter in the 400y free quartet. Carter took it home for the Trojans who combined for a new school-record.
"It was amazing. Swimming anchor at the NCAAs is like at no other meet," Carter said. "I can't compare it to anything. You don't feel any pain. It was a great experience and I'm glad I got to enjoy it with these guys."
The 800y free relay squad was made up of Quintero, Carter, Michael Domagala and Reed Malone. This time, Malone closed the show for the repeat title, which was another new USC record.
"I just wanted to do my best for the team," said Malone. "That's what I was thinking about the whole race, doing it for the guys I train with every day. Doing it for the group and when the race is close, I want to do it for my brothers. I was so excited for the opportunity and I'm proud of the whole team."
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