University of Minnesota Athletics
Richards Edges Carlson in Top Race at Minnesota Challenge
2/5/2011 12:00:00 AM | Men's Swimming & Diving
Gopher senior All-Americans Michael Richards and Curt Carlson battling it out in the 50-yard freestyle was the highlight of Friday night's session of the Minnesota Challenge at the University Aquatic Center.
Richards clocked his second-fastest time of the season of 19.89 seconds to edge his teammate Carlson, who touched in one of his best times of the season as well of 20.32. Conor Murphy was third in a time of 20.75 seconds.
The Gophers swept the top three places in the 500 free as well. Sean Nesheim won the race in a time of 4:27.83, followed by Drew Johnson in 4:30.86 and Mike Vernoia in 4:31.78. Minnesota added a 1-2 showing in the 200 individual medley with Andy Knaak first in 1:52.21 and Ivan Gutesa second in 1:55.46.
Minnesota won both the relays contested on Friday. The 200 free relay of Sandy Whitaker, Ben Griggs, Larry Formosa and Kyler Van Swol won in a time of 1:23.09. Whitaker also led off the champion 400 medley relay that won in 3:22.19. Other members of the relay were Josh Hall, Jack Poletto and Danny Brebrick.
The second of three sessions of the Minnesota Challenge begins on Saturday at noon.
Players Mentioned
