Swimcloud

St. Andrews' Lambert Wins NAIA 50 Free

The St. Andrews University Swim Team began the NAIA Nationals in Oklahoma City, with great victories including their first national champ in school history and are poised to continue their success of day one to the next two days.

Junior David Lambert became the first Individual NAIA National Champion in school history, winning the 50 yard Freestyle beating his competition by over 0.2 tenths, a personal best time, and school record of 19.81. Lambert immediately took over the lead and handily fended off a tight race for 2nd. Winning the National Title is not only a great accomplishment both personally, but for the team as a whole. Tomorrow he will compete in the 100 Breaststroke, 200 Freestyle Relay, and 400 Medley Relay.
 
Head Coach Brooks Teal said, "The entire St. Andrews family celebrates for David's accomplishment. David's National Championship is a result of his work ethic, character, and the opportunity that St. Andrews University provides students to achieve at the highest level. This was a great night for St. Andrews swimming and our university."

Lambert's first 25 yards of the final were very intense as he was neck and neck with his fellow competitors.

"David got off to a great start, but was challenged into the turn. His turn has been a weak point before this year but David has worked hard to improve it and it paid off big time today." Teal explained.

Lambert then came out of the turn ahead of the pack and powered his way to a great finish and a National Championship. It is the first national championship in school history in any sport.

Lambert (Winter Haven, FL) began the night anchoring the SAU Men's Relay team to finish 4th in the 200 Medley Relay along with sophomores Georgi Krastev (BK), Ryan Frayne (Breast), Drew Gurley (Fly) earning a school record. All men had great splits and are looking to be in the top three later this weekend.
 
Elliot Boon finished in the top 16 in the 50 Free, after finishing just out the finals session last year making it a great personal victory, similarly to senior Triniti Counter in the 200 IM. Both had personal best times this morning, Counter is the first woman to final at NAIA Nationals, again leading the Women's Team as she won the NAIA Champions of Character today. Lastly Cameron Dixon had a great 500Free this morning bettering is best time by over 2.5 seconds.
 
SAU Swimming is in ninth place after day one  and has two days left including four sessions, and are looking to continue the success in individual events, relays and in the team scoring race.

Day two of the championships will continue tomorrow with the 200 free, 100 fly, multiple relays and many more events.

Comments