Alabama Swimmers Ranked in the Top-25 Nationally
11/30/2018 1:57:00 PM | Swimming & Diving
Seven UA swimmers are ranked among the NCAA’s top-25 in 13 different races
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – A week away from returning to the blocks for its last meet of 2018 next Friday at home against Auburn, the Alabama swimming and diving teams have seven swimmers ranked in the top-25 nationally in 13 races this season.
Senior Robert Howard leads the way with the nation's top time in the 100 freestyle. His 41.94 makes him the only NCAA swimmer under 42 seconds so far this season. He is also second in the 50 freestyle and sixth in the 200 freestyle heading into this weekend's races. His 1:33.60 in the 200 freestyle is a career-best.
Zane Waddell has had his versatility on display this fall. The junior is ranked in the top 15 in four different events and three different strokes. He his third in the 50 freestyle, 15th in the 100 freestyle, sixth in the 100 backstroke and ninth in the 100 butterfly to this point in the season. Waddell's 46.33 in the 100 butterfly this season is a career-best time.
Senior Laurent Bams also figures in the top-10 nationally, checking in at No. 9 in the 100 breaststroke.
On the women's side of the slate, three of the Tide's freshmen are ranked in the top-25 in their respective specialties, led by distance ace Kensey McMahon, who is third in the 1,650 freestyle and eighth in the 1,000 freestyle. Both times are Alabama school records and her time in the 1,650 makes her the first Tide woman under 16 minutes in that event.
Fellow rookie Rhyan White is 14th in the 100 backstroke and 20th in the 200 backstroke, while freshman Kalia Antoniou is 21st in the 50 freestyle.
Senior Justine Macfarlane also figures in the top-25 this week, coming in 20th in the 100 breaststroke.
The Crimson Tide returns to action Friday, Dec. 7 against Auburn in the Alabama Aquatic Center. The diving portion of the meet gets underway at 2:30 p.m., while the swimming starts at 4:30 p.m. Admission is free.
Players Mentioned
