Friday, December 16, 2005

Travers Smith (Huntley, Ill./Huntley) and David Peterson (Schererville, Ind./Highland) each won two individual events to pace Valpo to a 116-84 win over Florida Southern at Friday's dual meet in Lakeland, Fla.

Peterson, a junior, picked up his first win in the 200 freestyle, finishing 0.4 seconds ahead of Florida Southern's Kyle Tingler with a time of 1:53.56. Peterson's other win came in the 100 breaststroke, where he finished in 1:02.66. Smith's wins came in the 50 freestyle (23.21 seconds) and 100 backstroke (57.37 seconds). His 100 backstroke time was the second fastest by a Crusader this season.

Joining the two juniors as individual winners were freshmen Dan Cisek (Willowbrook, Ill./Hinsdale South) and Ansel Hillmer (Tampa, Fla./Hillsborough). Cisek won the 100 freestyle in 52.21 seconds while Hillmer took home the 1000 freestyle in a career-best 11:01.09.

In the relays, Peterson joined Travis Thames (Tucson, Ariz./Canyon Del Oro), Hillmer, and David Kesler (Beverly Hills, Mich./Birmingham Groves) to take home the 200 medley in 1:43.99. Smith, Cisek, Edward Standen (Saint Joseph, Mich./Saint Joseph) and Kyle Verage (Hubertus, Wis./Marquette) won the 200 freestyle relay in 1:35.60

Valpo (2-7) returns to action after the holiday season, swimming at Illinois-Chicago January 6 at 5:00 p.m. The Crusaders open their home season January 20 at 6:00 p.m. when they take on Cleveland State.