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Cal Blasts NCAA-Leading 1:21.67 200 Medley Relay To Kick Off Cal vs. ASU Dual Meet

#1/#16 ARIZONA STATE @ #2/#11 CAL

  •  January 20, 2024
  • Spieker Aquatics Complex
    • Berkeley, California
  • Live Results available on Meet Mobile: “Cal vs ASU Co-Ed”
  • SCY (25 yards)
  • Livestream
  • Live Recap

The men’s side of the highly anticipated Arizona State/Cal matchup is already off to a quick start, as the Cal Bears captured the opening 200 medley relay in 1:21.67, with the Sun Devils just a tenth behind at 1:21.77.

Cal’s performance moves them up to 1st in the NCAA so far this season, overtaking Arizona State’s 1:21.85 from the NC State Invitational in November. Arizona State is now 2nd with their swim today, while defending NCAA champions NC State will hold to on to 3rd (1:22.87).

Cal’s victory was driven by their first two legs, as Bjorn Seeliger opened with a 20.22 on backstroke, followed by a 23.17 from breaststroker Liam Bell. Arizona State had the advantage in the back half with Ilya Kharun on fly (19.29) and Jonny Kulow for the free leg (18.25), but it was not enough to close the gap.

Seeliger owns the fastest 50 backstroke split ever at 20.08 from NCAAs in 2022, but his split today put him under the 20.29 he recorded leading off this relay at NCAAs last March.

Split Comparison:

Cal Arizona State
Backstroke Bjorn Seeliger – 20.22 Hubert Kos – 21.01
Breaststroke Liam Bell – 23.17 Leon Marchand – 23.22
Butterfly Dare Rose – 19.84 Ilya Kharun – 19.29
Freestyle Jack Alexy – 18.44 Jonny Kulow – 18.25
Total: 1:21.67 1:21.77

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Dudeski
10 months ago

When will Brooks Curry make his Cal debut?

Xman
10 months ago

Has there ever been a PAC 10 conference meet outdoors or an NCAA for that matter?

There’s something about swimming outdoors that’s mythical for us folks from the northeast.

Frank A Wilson
Reply to  Xman
10 months ago

I believe there have been PAC12s out doors. There was one held at ASUs Mona Plumer complex which is outdoors in the 90ies.

Queens
10 months ago

Congratulations

Andrew
10 months ago

Chokeeliger peaking early is nothing new, although this time it’s in a dual meet instead of prelims

Swammer
Reply to  Andrew
10 months ago

I’m truly curious to hear what your issue with Cal swimming is. It’s a great academic university, and they have a great aquatics program. I don’t understand the need to diminish athletes who are already too hard on themselves. Would you say the same to another athlete that chose to pursue the same athletic career at a different university?

PVK
Reply to  Andrew
10 months ago

You sound so stupid

Boxall's Railing
Reply to  Andrew
10 months ago

Can always count on you for some good jokes 🙂

Justin Pollard
10 months ago

This was unexpected, but wow! Think Dare went a best time there. Maybe Kharun too? Kulow possibly as well?

Last edited 10 months ago by Justin Pollard
KPS
Reply to  Justin Pollard
10 months ago

Rose yes by .01, Kharun no (19.24 at midseason), and Kulow no (18.22 midseason)

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Braden Keith

Braden Keith is the Editor-in-Chief and a co-founder/co-owner of SwimSwam.com. He first got his feet wet by building The Swimmers' Circle beginning in January 2010, and now comes to SwimSwam to use that experience and help build a new leader in the sport of swimming. Aside from his life on the InterWet, …

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