Wednesday, January 22, 1997 -- The Loyola College Men and Women hosted their cross-town rivals, Towson State University. The Men improved their duel meet record to 5-3 with an exciting 130-113 victory. This marked only the second time the men defeated the Tigers in school history. The Women swam excellently but were defeated in an ever-so-close 123-119 decision, dropping their record to 5-3.
The beginning looked grim for the men as they let Towson take first and second in the 400 meter medley relay, creating a thirteen point deficit. But Freshman John Moore got Loyola back on the winning track as he took out three close competitors in the 800 meter freestyle in a time of 8 minutes, 53.29 seconds. Classmate Vin Massey followed that up with a school record-breaking performance in winning the 200 meter freestyle (1:59.12). Another record would fall as in one of the most exciting races of the meet, Junior Mark Gallagher out-sprinted two Towson swimmers in the last fifteen meters to win the 200 meter backstroke (2:14.34). Gallagher also took first in the 50 meter freestyle (24.44). Junior Jon Lang won the 200 meter individual medley and followed that with another victory in the 200 meter butterfly. Diving was a major key in the Hounds' success as Junior Will Bryant won both the one meter and three meter diving events. The team of Ken Sposato, Massey, Dave Raver, and Gallagher sealed victory with a first place finish in the 400 freestyle relay.
The women were crushed to find out that they had fallen short of points needed to defeat Towson after winning and placing third in the final event, the 400 freestyle relay. However, there were many positives to take from the meet. Senior Pam O'Koren shined in setting a new school record in the 800 freestyle (9:54.62). Freshman Sarah Hewes followed her with a close second place finish (10:01.50). O'Koren also won the 400 freestyle and took second in the 200 I.M.. Fellow Senior Tracey Wells was victorious with a well swum 200 butterfly. The trio of Amy Cole, Jen Wood, and Michelle Russo impressively swept the 200 freestyle. The women look to rebound with solid performances in their remaining three duel meets and look forward to defending their honor at the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Championships.
Click here for men's times and results.
Click here for women's times and results.
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