Feb. 22, 2008

NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ - The Highlander men kicked off its 2008 Metropolitan Swimming Meet of Championships with an exciting first session Friday afternoon.

The team of Sean Stafford, Steve Schreyer, Alfio Racite and Hayk Ekshian qualified for 12th place in the 200 yard free style relay.

In the 500 yard free style, James Paccioretti and Pablo Botero each recorded personal-best performances. Mike Lawson clocked a seasonal best time in the 200 yard individual medley.

In the 50 yard free style, Schreyer and Racite recorded an all time personal bests while Sean Stafford equaled his. Leading the way for the Highlanders, Ekshian missed his school record by just .02, but his time was good enough to advance him to Saturday's consolation final.

In the final event of the mornings preliminary heats, the squad of Michael Finley, Lawson, Ekshian and Paccioretti, advanced to the consolation finals of the 400 yard medley relay. Their time of 3:56.54 was the fastest time of the season for the Highlanders.

"This morning was excellent for us. Nearly everyone swam seasonal best times in their events. Additionally, we had many lifetime bests, a number of school records and some of the best scoring opportunities I have seen since I got to NJIT." said head coach Eric Rasmussen.

The meet continues tonight with the finals at 6:00 pm and concludes with competition on Saturday and Sunday.

description courtesy of head coach Eric Rasmussen)