GRAND FORKS, N.D. -- The Fighting Sioux swimming and diving teams dominated the North Central Conference championships at the Hyslop Pool. UND's men and women combined to win 35 of the total 42 events to secure first place overall.
Both squads maintained their first place positions since competition began on Wednesday night.
The Sioux's strong performance in the NCC tournament dates back to 1982 when the women earned their first top place finish. Since 1970 the men have taken first place in 20 of the last 22 NCC championships, while the women have captured 25 first place finishes in the programs 27 appearances.
Senior Rodrigo Ferreira continued his winning ways today at the conference championships by winning his 16th straight event at the meet. Over his four-year stint at UND, Ferreira never lost at the NCC championship.
UND's Top Finishes of the Day
Women
1650 Free Jessica Carlson, UND, 17:39.22^
100 Free Madonna Dorsher, UND, :51.89*
200 Breast Sarah Wollenhaupt, UND, 2:21.98*
200 Fly Kathi DeGregorio, UND, 2:08.24^
400 Free Relay North Dakota, 3:28.82*
(Busso, Gormally, DeShaw, Dorsher)
Men
1650 Free Erik Anderson, UND ................. 16:09.90^
200 Back Rodrigo Ferreira, UND .............. 1:47.99*#
100 Free Eric Knight, UND......................... :45.90^
200 Breast Pedro Pereira, UND ....................2:04.39*
200 Fly Dan Zabler, UND ........................1:50.80*
400 Free Relay North Dakota ..............................3:01.63*
(Pereira, Rollins, Ferreira, Westergren)
*Indicates automatic qualifying mark (“A” cut) for NCAA Division II Swimming and Diving Championships to be held March 8-11 in Indianapolis, Ind.; ^ indicates “B” cut qualifying time for the NCAA meet.; # indicates NCC record; & indicates national record.
Tournament Recognition
Men
Outstanding Swimmer Rodrigo Ferreira, North Dakota
Outstanding Diver Nate Jimmerson, St. Cloud State
Newcomer of the Year Daniel Moraes, North Dakota
Freshman of the Year Chase Fillingham, North Dakota
Swimming Coach of the Year Mavi Sampaio, North Dakota
Diving Coach of the Year Nate Brisley, St. Cloud State
Women
Outstanding Swimmer Natalia Busso, North Dakota
Outstanding Diver Jill Smolcyzk, South Dakota
Newcomer of the Year Amy Roness, Minn. St. Moorhead
Freshmen of the Year Cathryn DeShaw, North Dakota
Swimming Coach of Year Mavi Sampaio, North Dakota
Jason Mahwohld, South Dakota
Diving Coach of the Year Chris Hansmann, South Dakota
The Sioux swimmers and divers will be off for the week before traveling to Buffalo, N.Y. for the NCAA DII National Championships March 14-17. Last year the men's team finished third at the national meet, while the women earned the fourth place position.
See NCC release for overall team scores.
