UF swimmer Burckle takes fifth place at U.S. Nationals
Thursday, August 2, 2007 | Women's Swimming & Diving
University of Florida swimmers made a big splash on day three of the 2007 ConocoPhillips National Championships. Two Gators posted top five finishes at the IUPUI Natatorium while four others swam personal best or near personal best races for a banner day for the Gators.
Senior Caroline Burckle (Louisville, Ky.) led off the night for UF swimmers placing fifth in the 400 meter freestyle. Burckle was third behind Kate Ziegler and Katie Hoff, who traded the lead throughout the race, through the first 300 meters. Burckle swam a career best of 4:11.83, moving her up to third on UF's all time list. It was Burckle's second career best swim of the meet.
Junior Laurabeth Guenthner (Wellington, Fla.) joined Burckle in the standings of the 400 free. Guenther placed 32nd overall with a personal best time of 4:18.32.
On the men's side, Pan Am silver medalist Tobias Work (Falmouth, Mass.) raced to the bronze medal in the 400 free with a time of 3:52.11. Work, who trailed the leaders for much of the race came alive in the final 100 meters to move into the third spot. Work's time was his second best career time. Junior Cody Kauffman (Harrisburg, Penn.) swam a 4:01.24 freestyle to place 51st overall.
Shaune Fraser (George Town, Cayman Islands) swam to a 42nd place finish with a personal best time of 55.20 in the 100 meter butterfly. Fellow Gator Bradley Ally (Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.), who usually competes in the 200 fly, finished 56th overall with a time of 55.50 seconds.
Competition will continue tomorrow in Indianapolis with three more individual finals and one relay final set for a 6:00pm start. Fan's wishing to follow the coverage should go to www.usaswimming.org for up to date results and a free web cast of this year's National Championships.
