Nov. 21, 2004
MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. - Head coach Dan Ross proved himself prophetic after predicting that his 20th-ranked Boilermakers would have an excellent Sunday at the Minnesota Invitational.
Following Saturday night's scoring marathon, in which the Boilermakers distanced themselves from Wisconsin for second place, Ross said his swimmers would have an even better Sunday.
Purdue advanced 18 swimmers into the afternoon finals, which begin at 3 p.m. with the 1,650 freestyle. The 400 freestyle relay and men's and women's platform competitions also will take place at this session.
Giordan Pogioli posted the Boilermakers' sole prelim victory, taking first in the 200 breaststroke at 2:01.18. Pogioli's closest competitor, Minnesota's Sean Kelly, finished over three seconds behind the Boilermaker All-American.
Sophomore Steve Miskovetz also qualified for the `A' finals of the 200 breast, touching the wall in 2:09.65.
Freshman John Mullen's performance in the 200 butterfly was a pleasant surprise, as he qualified third with a lifetime best of 1:52.40. Mullen had not competed in the 200 fly for Purdue prior to Sunday. Blake Scholz came in behind Mullen at 1:52.21 and Mark Enoch placed seventh at 1:54.05.
The 200 backstroke was Purdue's best all-around event as six Boilermakers qualified for afternoon swims. Louis Paul (1:49.73) and Romain Maire (1:50.57) made the `A' finals with their third and sixth-place showings. Eric Prugh, David Hughes, Joe Colley and David Hedge will comprise the Boilermaker contingency in consolations.
Trey Smith posted the team's top time in the 100 free with a season best of 46.36. Andre Pereira qualified for consolations after placing 11th at 46.98.
Through two days of competition, the sixth-ranked Golden Gophers are in control with 882.5 points. Purdue is settled in second place with 578 points, while the Badgers are in third place with 380 points. Iowa (242.5) and North Dakota (207) round out the five-team field.