Divers Steal the Show

Saturday, October 31

Claremont, Calif.

2:00 PM

California Baptist University

Pomona-Pitzer Relays

10/31/2015 8:36:00 PM | Men's Swimming and Diving, Swimming and Diving

By: Andrew Shortall, Asst. Sports Information Director

CLAREMONT, Calif. – While the event may have given relay teams top billing at the Pomona-Pitzer Relays, California Baptist University's divers stole the show Saturday.

Three Lancer divers stamped their tickets to the NCAA Division II championships at the event, while a swimmer grabbed a consideration time in an event. Not to be forgotten was CBU's overall dominance in the relays, as it won eight of 10 events on the day to win the meet by 38 points, with 141 in all.

"All four guys qualified for nationals today," said dive Coach Jeff Couto, as Zach Parry qualified for NCAAs in the season opener. "On the men's side, we swept the top-four spots on both 1- and 3-meter. This is the first time in CBU history that all four male divers have ever qualified for nationals, let alone on the same day.

"I couldn't have asked for anything more my athletes today. It truly is a blessing to have the privilege to coach these amazing athletes."

With 460 points serving as the Division II qualifying mark for an 11-dive set on the 3-meter diving board, the Lancers were far from frightened. Parry won both the 1- and 3-meter boards, with a staggering 507.85 points on the 3-meter. Kendall Rummell followed on the 3-meter with 480 points, while Andrew Rotundo sealed third with 465.11 points. Zach Mullins exceeded the 440-qualifying mark set for the 1-meter with 461.50 points to qualify for NCAAs, as well.

There was a bit of a pleasant surprise in store for the Lancers in the 1,500-yard freestyle relay when Robert Griffith led off the first 500 with a time good enough to earn him a consideration, which was set at 4:38.08, for the Division II Championships.

Eleven Lancers contributed to the team's eight wins on Saturday, with six having a hand in three or more. Josh Hanson and Alexis Ohmar led the way with five wins to their name, while James Wilson, Drew Denton, Robert Griffith and Bernardo Valentim each had three each.

Justin Quiroga and Elijah Barrows had two victories each, while Chris Sands, Adrian Gutierrez and Jim Bossert had one win.

Wilson, Hanson, Ohmar and Denton teamed up in the 200-medley relay for a win in one minute, 35.86 seconds. Ohmar then met up with Griffith, Barrows and Valentim for another win in the 400-free relay (3:09.59).

The Lancers' best time came in the 200-free relay. Hanson, Denton, Valentim and Ohmar showed they are closing in on a consideration time, clocking in at 1:25.82. That quartet has just over two seconds to cut down before hitting the provisional mark (1:23.46).

CBU dive is back in action Nov. 13^th at the two-day USC Dive Invite. The swim team will compete in a dual at Pomona-Pitzer on Nov. 14^th at noon.

RESULTS