Spartan Swimmers Claim Two National Championships
HOUSTON, Texas - At the halfway point of the 2009 NCAA Division II Swimming and Diving Championships, The University of Tampa has claimed its first two individual national championships in a pair of races. The championships are part of the 2009 NCAA II National Championship Festival in Houston.
Alex Hetland won UT's first individual national championship, coming in the 200 IM. Hetland took the top prize with a time of 1:46.03.
On Thursday women's swimmer Jessie Bardin championed the 200 Free. It marked the second national championship for Bardin as the junior from St. Petersburg won the same race in 2007.
Chris O'Linger also placed second in the 1,000 Free with a time of 9:04.12 and eighth in the 400 IM. Hunter Lineback also turned in a sixth place finish in the 400 IM.
Tampa continues competition at the national championships, which runs through Saturday.