March 28, 2003
Schedule of events
Full Results
Austin, Texas – The University of Kentucky men’s swimming and diving teams finished the second round of NCAA Competition on Friday, March 28, at the Texas’ Jamail Swimming Center. Wildcat swimmers fared well on the second day posting two top-20 times in the consolation finals of both the 200-medley relay and 800-free relay teams.
Senior Roger Watkins, junior Fernando Barros, sophomore Daniel Cruz and freshman Daniel Farnham finished 13th in the prelim of the 200-MR with a time of 1:29.46 and finished in the same spot in the finals, they were fifth in the consolation bracket, with a 1:29.21. In the 800-FR, freshman Steven Manley joined Farnham, Cruz and Barros to finish 16th, 8th consolation, with a time of 6:35.76. Manley finished 22nd in the 200-individual free with a time of 1:37.33. Cruz finished 40sths(:49.24) in the 100 fly.
The big story of the day however, was senior All-American Clayton Moss. The 2003 Southeastern Conference Three-meter Springboard Champion went into the NCAA Championship Finals with a slim 0.20-point lead over Miami senior Miguel Velasquez. But in the finals it was SEC-rival and close colleague Phillip Jones of Tennessee who surprised Moss. The UT senior went into the finals 26.95 points behind Moss in seventh place. But Jones pulled one of the biggest upsets ever, storming back to take the championship and finish in first with a total of 649.70. Moss finished second with a 646.75. Notching his highest finish ever in NCAA competition, securing his 10th career All-America selection.
“Clayton has shown the heart and will of a champion this week,” Diving Coach Mike Lyden said. “He’s come up short in both events, but he has kept his head high and his spirits up. He’s had a tremendous meet and a tremendous career.”
Moss will have one more shot to win a National Championship when he competes in the platform event on Saturday, March 29. He finished second, to Auburn’s Caesar Garcia, in this event at last month’s SEC Championships. He is a three-time All-American in this event.
The four swimmers will see action as well on Saturday. Prelims will begin at Noon ET. Links to schedules and full results can be found www.ukathletics.com
