NYU Violets Record Strong Showings at MIT Invite

The NYU men’s swimming and diving team finished in second place in a field of six teams at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Invitational, held Friday and Saturday, December 3-4, in Cambridge, MA. The Violets scored 778.5 points and finished behind MIT.

“I’m very pleased with the team’s performances, especially since we didn’t do a full paper or shave for the meet,” said head coach Bob Sorensen. “Virtually every swimmer swam season best times in multiple events.”

The swimmers were led by Bryson Naylor, who won the 400 individual medley. His time of 4:08.62 was less than one second off the B cut for the NCAA National Championships (4:07.81). Naylor also placed second in both the 100 breaststroke (1:00.28) and the 200 breaststroke (2:08.82) and anchored the relay team that took third in the 400 freestyle relay (3:15.67).

Andy King, James Bedell and Ed Carroll also swam on that relay team.

Other top Violets included Charlie Wu, who took third in the 200 backstroke (1:57.55) and Danny Isaacson, who placed fourth in the 1650 freestyle (17:21.08).

“This performance puts us in a very good position going into exams,” Sorensen said. “Physically, we swam well and mentally, it’s a good boost to know that we can perform well when we have to. The team’s hard training for the fall has paid off.”

The diving team had several strong performances, placing three divers in the top five. Max Norris once again led the team, winning the one-meter dive with 253.35 points. Jeff Bubley placed fourth with 199.30 points and Ryan Drumm finished in fifth, earning 194.50 points.

“It was a great day for men’s diving,” said diving coach Scott Donie. “I’m really proud of everyone today. This performance sets us up for a great second half after the break.”

The NYU women’s swimming and diving team finished in third place in a field of six teams at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Invitational, held Friday and Saturday, December 3-4, in Cambridge, MA. The Violets scored 663.83 points and finished behind MIT and Harvard University.

Paula Guzman led the swimming team, placing second in the 1650 freestyle. She finished the race in 17:33.91 and made the B cut for the NCAA Championships (17:39.80).

Jessica Harrison and Molly Rippe also performed will in the 1650. Harrison placed third (17:41.39) and Rippe finishing in fourth place (17:43.26). Rippe also swam on the 800 freestyle relay team that finished third in that race (8:04.08).

Alexandra Strzempko, Nina Rusiewski and Gabby Borutecene rounded out the relay team.

Borutecene and Rusiewski also performed well on their own. Borutecene placed second in the 200 freestyle (1:57.38) and third in the 400 individual medley (4:39.57) while Rusiewski took fourth in the 200 freestyle (1:58.51).

“Overall, we had a good team effort. It was a good culmination of the first semester,” said head coach Lauren Beam. “This meet was a nice way to end this semester’s competition.”

Amanda Moffa led the diving team, placing fifth in the three-meter dive with 225.05 points.

“Amanda had one of the best meets of her career,” said diving coach Scott Donie. “I’m really proud of everyone today. This performance sets us up for a great second half after the break.”