2016 NORTHWESTERN TYR INVITATIONAL
- Friday, November 18th – Sunday, November 20th
- Evanston, IL (Northwestern University)
- Live results
- Short course yards
- Invitational format
The Northwestern women have struggled to compete in the B1G, but in head coach Abby Steketee’s 2nd season with the Wildcats, there are real signs of a bright future ahead. Much of that excitement has to do with Guatemalan freshman Valerie Gruest Slowing, a multi-time national record holder and a 2016 Olympian. She’s been able to translate her success into the small pool, as evidenced by her 500 free last night, a 4:40.58 that took over three seconds off of the pool record and broke the Northwestern program record as well.
Gruest Slowing also knocked off Air Force’s Genevieve Miller, a 2x 2016 NCAA All-American honorable mention. Miller was 4:42.42, also under the old pool record, which was actually set by her in 2014 at this meet two years ago. In the 400 medley relay, NU finished 1-2 with their A and B relays, with Gruest Slowing splitting a 55.54 on the ‘A’ butterfly leg.
The Northwestern women won both relays, getting off to a great start at their home invite. Senior Melissa Postoll added another win for the Wildcats, swimming to a 1:59.22 to take the 200 IM. Sophomore Lindsay Adamski‘s 29.23 in the 50 breast was enough for a win there as well. Michigan State’s Rachel Bukowski took the 50 free (22.84), while Grand Canyon’s Estela Davis Ortiz took the 50 back (25.45).
On the men’s side, Grand Canyon dominated the win column. They were hot out of the gates, winning the 200 free relay with three sub-20 splits, taking the race by over two full seconds. They were led by Mark Nikolaev, who took two event wins of his own. The sophomore won the 50 back (21.61), then came back in the very next event for a big win in the 200 IM (1:47.38). Jacob Lambros added another title for GCU with a 19.79 in the 50 free.
Michigan State put up two wins on the men’s side. Senior Jon Burke posted a 4:26.16 to take the 500 free, leading a 1-2 MSU finish with sophomore Joe Szczupakiewicz (4:28.94). In the 50 breast, Spartan senior Alec Kandt sprinted to the win in 25.16. MSU’s depth, however, has given them a large lead after the first day of competition.
TEAM SCORES
WOMEN’S TOP 5
- Northwestern 305.5
- Michigan State 282
- GCU 261
- Air Force 207.5
- Truman State 122
MEN’S TOP 5
- Michigan State 356.5
- Northwestern 296
- GCU 272.5
- St. Louis 155.5
- UIC 125