The Colorado Mesa University swimming and diving teams dominated the CMU Invitational last weekend, with the men taking first place, finishing 369 points ahead of second place California Baptist. The women’s team finished second, just 54 points behind California Baptist.

Even more impressive is the amount of success the team’s younger swimmers have been experiencing, including several broken records by Jarren Brinton and Justin Hastings.

“The freshmen are excited, having fun and ready to prove themselves not only to the upper classmen but also to our coach,” junior Peter Szekely said. “A great amount of respect for each team member has been established and after watching outstanding races like the 1,650 free from Jarren, our team is well on our way to winning a conference championship together.”

The men broke six records over the weekend, including two from Brinton and two from Hastings, who was also part of the 200-medley relay record time.

Brinton, a freshman, won the 1,650 free with a school record 15:53.80 and followed that by winning the 1,000 free in a school record time of 9:24.63. Hastings, a sophomore, broke the 100 fly school record with a time of 48.61, and set a new school record in the 100 back in 49.92 seconds.

“I was really excited about my 1,000 free and 1,650 free swims and I am planning on trying to go to nationals,” Brinton said. “I was pumped about coming in to college swimming and now one of the next steps for our team is winning the conference.”

Senior Tyler Kaslik broke his previous school record in the 500 free with a time of 4:37.94 and was followed by strong performances from the Maverick divers. Brock Martin won each diving event, including a score of 494.80 in the three-meter event.

Amanda Jennings finished third in the three-meter dive with a score of 367.40, and Savannah Craft took fourth with a score of 349.80.

The Mavs head in to winter break with confidence and continue to prepare for the conference championships. The team will take a training trip to Florida after winter break and look to keep improving as a program.

“In order to win our conference we have to maintain all the work that we have already been putting in until our championship meet,” Szekely said. “If the team keeps having a positive attitude and stays strong in these last few months, I think great things will happen for everyone and this program.”

The Mavs host Division I program Missouri State on January 7 in the El Pomar Natatorium.

scschroc@mavs.coloradomesa.edu