Spartan Men Down Two Ranked Opponents as Women Defeat Top 10 Wheaton

TAMPA, Fla. - The University of Tampa men's and women's swimming teams concluded a busy day that consisted of two meets. The 16th ranked men picked up a pair of impressive victories with wins over #4 Emory (Ga.) and #25 Wheaton (Ill.). After falling to #2 and defending NCAA III national champion Emory, UT defeated #8 Wheaton in the afternoon meet.

In the men's meet with Emory, the Spartans were given a boost by the 200 Medley Relay that won the first race. With a time of 1:37.28, the group of Kyle Merritt, Matt Kramer, Mike Lewis and Mike Verdi took top honors. Chris O'Linger added a victory in the 200 Free (1:46.19) while Merritt won the 100 (53.23) and 200 Back (1:56.21).

After being part of the opening relay victory, Lewis turned in first-place performances in three individual events. He won the 200 Fly (1:54.03), 100 Fly (51.27) and the 200 IM (2:02.15). Verdi took top honors in the 50 Free (22.27) while Frank Kuchta was victorious in the 100 Free (48.53). The Spartans capped off the impressive victory with a 200 Free Relay win by Verdi, Patrick Murray, Kuchta and Merritt (1:28.06).

The meet with Wheaton consisted of all relays, with UT winning 19 of the 20 races. While the Spartan men took top place in all 10 events, the women won nine.

The Spartans are back in action on Saturday, January 19, when it hosts Rollins and Saint Leo. The meet is scheduled for 11 a.m., at the UT Swimming Complex.

Tampa vs. Emory
Women - Team Scores
1. Emory, 190
2. Tampa, 71

Men - Team Scores
1. Tampa, 148
2. Emory, 114

Tampa vs. Wheaton
Women - Team Rankings
1. Tampa, 48
2. Wheaton, 32

Men - Team Rankings
1. Tampa, 50
2. Wheaton, 30