Results

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (12/02/06) - The North Texas Swimming and Diving team took first place in the UALR Christmas Invitational this weekend, and freshman Alicia Hale won the honor of Co-Swimmer of the Meet after winning three individual events and breaking two school records.

The team was able to overcome a 23-point deficit from yesterday to today and clinch the win with a score of 811.

The team broke four records today bringing the total of broken records during the UALR Invitational to 12. The Mean Green also added nine times that rank in the top-five in school history, bringing the season-total to 30.

In day two of the tournament, Hale set the school record in the 200 IM with a time of 2:09.07, and notched the second-best time in school history in the 200 free with a time of 1:53.65. Throughout the meet Hale finished first in the 500 freestyle, 200 freestyle, and 200 IM, earning her the honor of Co-Swimmer of the Meet.

“Receiving Co-Swimmer of the Meet was a great honor for Alicia,” said head coach Joe Dykstra. “She has worked very hard. This is a tremendous accomplishment for her.”

Freshman diver Bailey Devine had a productive weekend finishing third in both the 1 meter diving and 3 meter diving, and setting the third-best score in school history in both events.

The 200 IM was a particularly successful event for the Mean Green as six swimmers finished in the top-eight. Hale finished first while senior captain Gwen Rourke followed closely behind, setting the second-best time in school history with a time of 2:10.27. Hale set the third-best time in school history during the preliminary round with a time of 2:10.42.

“It was a total team effort to qualify as many swimmers as we did in scoring spots,” said Dykstra. “ Six girls finished in the top eight of the 200 IM which really solidified the win today. I am very proud of the whole team.”

Rourke also notched the second-best time in school history in the 200 breaststroke with a time of 2:23.48. She holds all top-five times in the 200 breaststroke.

The team is back in action Jan 12-13 in Houston to take on Houston, Florida International, and New Mexico State in their first meet of the new year.