Men's Swimming Opens Season With 111-79 Victory Over Widener

CHESTER, Pa. - The 2011-12 swim season started off on a high note for the Swarthmore College men (1-0), as strong performances across the board led the Garnet to a 111-78 victory over 320 rival Widener in the first meet of the season on Wednesday evening.

The Garnet took the opening 200 medley relay by a full three seconds, as junior Roger Chin (pictured) and seniors Lance Liu, Sam Bullard-Sisken, and Tim Brevart teamed up to touch in 1:40.70. After that it was off to the races, as Swarthmore recorded the top time in 9 of 11 events.

Brevart swept the sprint freestyle events (21.88 and 49.32) and was the only double-winner in individual races. Sophomore Brian Nadel won the 1000 (10:42.87); defending Centennial bronze medalist sophomore John Flaherty touched first in the 200 IM (2:05.78); Bullard-Sisken was the top finisher in the 100 butterfly (55.62); sophomore Peter Ballen won the 500 freestyle (5:05.64); and sophomore Zach Gavin turned in the fastest time in the 100 breaststroke (1:05.96)

Liu, Chin, Ballen, and senior Neil Palmer also finished first in the 200 freestyle relay (1:33.53) to conclude the meet.

Swarthmore's Centennial Conference schedule kicks off on Saturday, as the Garnet travel to take on McDaniel. Action is set to begin at 2 pm.