Traditionally, the U.S. Open is the meet where up-and-comers emerge to make a name for themselves against some tough competition, and many of the established stars get a chance to see where they stand after a few months of solid training.

That pattern held true on Day 1 of the 2004 U.S. Open at Palo Alto College, especially the part about the up-and-comers.

Youngsters such as Jennifer Forster, Alexi Spann and Erica Meissner made their marks Thursday night by winning their respective events. All three are 18 or younger, and it was the first U.S. Open title for each, with the exception of the 16-year-old Forster.

While the youngsters were doing their thing, Olympic gold medalist Ryan Lochte made his presence felt by winning the men’s 200m back. His time of 2:02.21 was more than two seconds ahead of runner-up David Russell. Lochte was also seeded first in the men’s 200m IM earlier in the evening, but did not compete in that event.

The final American champion crowned Thursday night was Nick Brunelli, 22, of Sun Devil Aquatics, who finished first in the men’s 50m free with a time of 22.84. Though he’s not a member of the under-18 set, it was Brunelli’s first U.S. Open title.

“I just came back from the World Cup meet in Australia, and I wanted to get some long course swimming in,” said Brunelli, who’s gearing up for the World Championship Trials in April. “I wasn’t resting or anything. I just wanted to come out here and race. It’s a pretty decent time for in-season, so I’m happy with it.”

In other events, Northwestern's Michael Alexandrov won men’s the 200m IM (2:03.57); Claudia Poll won the women’s 400m free (4:11.69); Ricardo Monasterio won the men’s 400m free (3:54.23); Vladislav Polyakov won the men’s 100m breast (1:01.94); and Laura Nicholls won the women’s 50m free (26.25).