Kentucky’s Record Book Makes Room for Three Freshmen Swimmers
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Three names were added to the Kentucky swimming and diving record book Friday after recording stunning program times, while two additional swimmers recorded new career bests in the second day of the Ohio State Invitational in Columbus, Ohio.
Freshmen Kyle Barker, Izzy Gati and Sophie Sorenson posted times in the second day of the three-day invitational that were good enough to earn reservations in the program record book. Barker squeaked by, becoming the 10th fastest Wildcat to swim the 400-yard individual medley with a 3:54.18 in the “B” final.
Gati recorded a 52.84 in the 100-yard butterfly on her way to becoming the fifth fastest in the event in Kentucky history, while also earning third overall in the event. Finally, backstroke specialist Sorenson found her spot in the records with a 54.00 in the 100-yard backstroke, the sixth top time in Kentucky history.
Sophomore Nick Smith jumped three spots in the records with his career best in the 400-yard individual medley, 3:51.16. Sophomore Lauren Edelman also reset her career best, posting a 4:10.22 in the 400-yard individual medley. She remained the third fastest Wildcat in program history to swim the event.
Kentucky saw as many NCAA “B” cuts Friday as names shuffled in the record book. The Wildcats posted 13 NCAA consideration times in the second day, generating 22 for the meet through 2/3 of competition. Twelve “B” cuts were recorded by individuals, eight women and four men. In addition, the women capped the night posting a “B” worthy time in the 800-yard freestyle relay with senior Geena Freriks, junior Asia Seidt, senior Ali Galyer and freshman Riley Gaines.
Freshman Kyndal Knight followed up her victorious Thursday performance with another solid showing, this time on the 1-meter board finishing fourth with a 269.70. Senior Seb Masterton rallied six good dives on the 3-meter board, posting a 396.70 for second.
The final day of competition will begin at 10 a.m. Saturday, followed by finals at 5 p.m. A host of opportunities is available to follow along with the invitational – live results and dive meets will deliver timely results, while meet central offers a paid streaming option.
For the latest on the Kentucky swimming and diving program, follow @UKSwimDive on Twitter and on Instagram, on Facebook and on the web at UKathletics.com.
