University of Minnesota Athletics
Gophers' Incoming Freshman Class Excels At High School Championships
3/29/2007 12:00:00 AM | Men's Swimming & Diving
Minnesota's incoming freshman swimming class of Curt Carlson, Michael Richards, Chris Peterson, Kevin Baseheart and Zach Weis posted strong showings at recent state high school championships, combining for eight state titles. The five swimmers, in addition to diver Andrew Brown, will join the Golden Gophers in 2007-08 as they pursue a sixth Big Ten title in the last eight years. Minnesota claimed the 2007 Big Ten title in Columbus, Ohio in February.
Curt Carlson (Maple Grove, Minn.) dominated the Minnesota State AA meet, winning four state titles and defending his 100 and 200 freestyle crowns. Carlson shattered a 12-year old record in the 200 set by former U.S. Olympian and silver medalist Tom Malchow, winning in a time of 1:38.35. Carlson won the 100 free in 45.19 and contributed to Maple Grove's state champion 200 and 400 freestyle relay teams.
Carlson also swam well at the NCSA Junior Nationals in Orlando, Fla. March 20-24, finishing third in the 100 freestyle (45.56) and the 200 freestyle (1:39.32).
Michael Richards (Falcon Heights, Minn.) crushed the all-time state record in the 50 freestyle en route to the state crown with a time of 20.22. He broke the 2005 record set by future Gopher teammate Colin Lee-To of 20.42. He won the event by a stunning 1.23 seconds. Richards also finished second in the 100 free to Carlson with a time of 45.54. The 2006 U.S. Junior National champion in the 50-meter free, Richards has won the last two 50-yard free state titles for Roseville Area High School.
Chris Peterson (St. Charles, Ill.) won two state titles at the Illinois State high school meet, taking the 200 freestyle in 1:39.74 and the 500 freestyle in 4:34.40. Peterson defended his 500 free title.
Kevin Baseheart (Milwaukee, Wis.) defended his Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association state title in the 100 butterfly, winning in 49.89 and placed third in the 200 freestyle in 1:41.24. In 2006, the Milwaukee King High School junior became the first City Conference swimmer to ever win the 100 fly at the state meet.
Baseheart also performed well at the 2007 National YMCA Short Course Championships in Fort Lauderdale, finishing second in the 200 butterfly (1:49.42), third in the 100 freestyle (45.35) and fourth in the 100 fly (49.79). He also helped his Schroeder YMCA team to three relat national titles in the 400 medley relay, 400 freestyle relay and 200 freestyle relay
Zach Weis (St. Paul, Minn.) finished third in the 200 individual medley (1:56.46) and third in the 100 breaststroke (58.29) at the Minnesota State AA meet for Cretin-Derham Hall High School.
Players Mentioned
