Feb. 5, 2005
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Despite suffering a 144-97 loss to No. 13 Indiana, Boilermaker head coach Dan Ross took some positives from Saturday's dual meet at the Boilermaker Aquatic Center.
The clear-cut highlight for Ross was seeing Steve LoBue breaking the varsity record off the 1-meter springboard. LoBue, a sophomore from Ewing, N.J., won the competition with 336.01 points, breaking the score of 332.95, recorded by teammate Clay Davis earlier this season at the Indiana Intercollegiates.
LoBue, who also holds the school record off the 3-meter (354.90), placed fourth off the platform tower with 306.07 points. The divers did not compete off the 3-meter springboard Saturday.
In the pool, Ross was especially impressed with the performances of his 400 medley and freestyle relay teams, both of which posted season bests. The 400 medley of David Hughes, Giordan Pogioli, Iggy Goh and Trey Smith placed second in 3:19.25 and the 400 free of Louis Paul, John Mullen, Romain Maire and Smith tied for first in 3:02.07.
Ross also was satisfied with Paul's and Pogioli's individual accomplishments in the 200 free and 200 breaststroke. Paul clocked a season best of 1:38.38, which was good for second, while Pogioli won the 200 breast title over rival Kevin Swander, 1:57.90 to 1:59.36. Pogioli's mark also was a season best.
Other team season bests were registered by Blake Scholz in the 200 butterfly (1:49.26) and Iggy Goh in the 50 free (21.04).
Despite the handful of accomplishments, Ross' Boilermakers could not overcome a tough Indiana team that finished with nine wins and four top-two sweeps.
"IU kicked us pretty good," said Ross. "They came in focused after losing an emotional meet at Michigan two weeks ago, and were somewhat faster than we anticipated.
"We've worked real hard the past few days, and I was happy with our times because they're faster than usual for this time of the season. Now we're going to rest and get refocused for Big Ten's."
Overall, Purdue posted team season bests in seven of Saturday's 13 events and are feeling confident heading into the Big Ten Championships.
This year's conference championship meet takes place at the University of Minnesota, Feb. 24 to 26. Prelims begin daily at 11 a.m., with finals starting at 7 p.m.