Alabama Swimming Star to Receive NCAA Championship Ring
2/14/2003 12:00:00 AM | Swimming & Diving
Alabama swimming phenom Stefan Gherghel will be presented with his NCAA Championship ring, commemorating his victory last April in the 200 butterfly, at the half-time of Saturday's Alabama-Auburn basketball game in Coleman Coliseum.
Gherghel's win was Alabama's first NCAA swimming title in 19 years and first title for the swimming and diving program since Brent Roberts won the 10-meter platform in 1998. Gherghel's winning effort was one of the most exciting races of the 2002 NCAA Championships, as the sophomore passed four swimmers over the last lap to take the victory in the third fastest time in the history of swimming.
This season Gherghel has led the Alabama men's team to a No. 13 national ranking going into to the Southeastern Conference Championships next weekend. The Tide has notched win seven wins this season, including an upset of No. 6 ranked Florida.
Alabama's women, ranked 18th, are also preparing for the SEC Championships, which are Feb. 19-22 in Auburn, Ala.
