July 15, 2013

ATHENS, Ga. – Ten Wildcats advanced to the U.S. Open Championships over the weekend after a great meet at the Speedo Sectionals in Athens, Ga. Kentucky rising-junior swimmer Christina Bechtel led the way for the Wildcats with a lifetime-best swim that launched her into impressive company.

Bechtel narrowly earned a victory in the women’s 100 butterfly with a time of 59.48 which vaulted her into the top 10 nationally in that event.

Rising senior Kristen Wilson took the women’s 200 freestyle with a time of 2:03.05, while rising junior Abby Myers picked up a win in the 200 butterfly, tapping in with a time of 2:03.05.

On the men’s side, rising senior Chris Lott swam an impressive 50 freestyle to earn his U.S. Open cut with a time of 23.48.

“We had a fantastic weekend,” said swimming head coach Lars Jorgensen. “I’m seeing a lot of progressions from our athletes that will bode well for next season.”

With the success over the weekend, the 10 Wildcats will head to Irvine, Cal., at the end of the month to compete in the U.S. Open Championships which begins July 29 through Aug. 24.

Reed competes for Team USA in World University Games

Former Wildcat standout Tyler Reed continues to swim his way to success after a stellar career at Kentucky. Reed represented Team USA in the 2013 World University Games in Kazan, Russia.

Over the weekend, Reed earned a top-10 finish coming in ninth place in the 100 freestyle.

Team USA finished in 7th place at the games with a medal count of 32. Russia won the games 249 total medals with 126 gold medals.