Crimson Tide Trio Posts Fast Times at James E Martin Invitational

AUBURN, Ala. – A trio of Alabama swimmers posted fast times at the James E Martin Invitational in Auburn, Ala., Saturday. Derek Maas, Christopher O'Connor and Eric Stelmar all competed at the meet on the Auburn campus.

Maas and Stelmar posted career-best times that likely earned them berths at the upcoming NCAA Championships. Swimmers who qualify for the upcoming Men's NCAA Championships will be announced Wednesday, March 10.

Interim Head Coach Ozzie Quevedo Said

"We came down here to see if we could improve our placing in the national rankings in a few events and we were able to put up some times that are probably going to make it into the NCAA Championships. We're proud of the focus and drive these guys showed today. Having a couple more events at the national championships will help us as we get ready to close the season strong at the end of this month."

Saturday Highlights

Derek Maas went 52.66 in the 100 breaststroke and 1:53.13 in the 200 breaststroke
Maas' time in the 200 breaststroke was a career-best mark and ranks him fourth all-time at Alabama and ranks him in the top 15 nationally
Eric Stelmar posted a career-best time of his own, going a stellar 1:41.17 in the prelims of the 200 backstroke, which moves him to fourth all-time at Alabama and puts him among the top-25 nationally
Christopher O'Connor posted a 1:42.57 in the 200 backstroke

Up Next

The Crimson Tide divers are at the NCAA Zone B Championships March 7-9 looking to earn national championship spots
The UA women are already sending 11 swimmers to the NCAA Championships, which will be held March 17-20
The men's NCAA Championships will be held March 24-27

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University of Alabama Athletics