Completed Event: Men's Swimming & Diving versus NCAA Championships on March 28, 2026 ,
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Men's Swimming & Diving
vs NCAA Championships
The University of Utah Athletics
Swimming & Diving Championship Preview
2/10/2003 12:00 AM | Men's Swimming & Diving
Feb. 10, 2003
MEN
PREVIEWING THE CHAMPIONSHIP:
The Utah men come into the Mountain West Conference Championships as the fourth seed. The Championships will be held in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Feb. 19-22. The Utes should be a strong contender and have the potential to improve on their last place finish in the 2002 championships. Brigham Young comes into the conference championship as the favorite and won the regular season crown finishing 4-0 in conference, but the rest of the teams should make spots 2-5 very close as Air Force, UNLV, Utah and Wyoming will all be very competitive and the margin for error will be slim.
A LOOK BACK AT THE SEASON:
The Utes finished 5-8 overall and 1-4 in conference meets. Utah finished fourth overall in the conference and have jumped out of the conference cellar for the first time in three years. The men also won their first conference meet in three years with a victory over UNLV 180-116, back on Dec. 7. "It's been a successful season, the men have been very solid and shown a lot of heart," states Head Coach Michael Litzinger. "We haven't given up and have been solid all year."
UTE SWIMMERS TO KEEP AN EYE ON:
Evan Castro - Was named Mountain West Conference Swimmer of the Week on Nov. 27, 2002. Castro holds the conference's second best time in the 100 breast (56.00) and the third best time in the 200 breast (2:04.49). "Evan has had a breakout year, his main competition will be Scott Usher of Wyoming. He is also a key part of our relay teams," states Litzinger.
Jonathan Larsen - A three-time Mountain West Conference Swimmer of the Week this year, Larsen holds the conference's top times in the 50 free (20.35) and the 100 free (44.44). "Jon is a highly ranked swimmer in the nation. I am looking forward to seeing him in the conference meet," comments Litzinger.
Cody Rempfer - Rempfer was awarded the Mountain West Conference Swimmer of the Week on Oct. 30, 2002. He holds the fourth best time in the 200 butterfly (1:49.63) and sixth in the 100 butterfly (50.41). "Cody will be key in both the free and medley relay's for the championship," adds Litzinger.
WOMEN
PREVIEWING THE CHAMPIONSHIP:
The Ute women head into the Mountain West Conference Championship as the third seed. 2001-02 Mountain West Conference Women's Coach of the Year Michael Litzinger has the Utes primed for a title run and the women's field is wide open this season with Brigham Young, Colorado State, New Mexico, UNLV and Utah all having a legitimate shot at the title this year. All five of these teams have at least three conference wins, UNLV was the outright regular season conference champion with a 7-0 conference mark.
A LOOK BACK AT THE SEASON:
Utah completed its first winning season since 1988 as the women completed a 10-8 season. The Utes 5-3 conference record was good enough for a third place finish and has shown themselves to be a top contender in the conference. "This season we have learned how to win. The team has matured a lot and become a better team," comments Litzinger.
UTE SWIMMERS TO KEEP AN EYE ON:
Kristen Kaiser - A National Swimmer of the Week with her performance against Florida State, Kaiser is also a three-time Mountain West Conference Swimmer of the Week this season. She finished with her best dual meet record in three-years. Holds a top three conference rank in all of her events and is the Mountain West Conference record holder in the 400 IM. "Kristen will be counted on to lead us through the championships," states Litzinger.
Neringa Statkeviciute - Conference Swimmer of the Week on Nov. 20, Statkeviciute will swim in the sprint freestyle events and is also a major part of the free-relay team. Last year was her first conference championship meet and with more experience this year she is expected to accomplish big things. "Neringa has been very consistent and will be counted on to help the team achieve success," adds Litzinger.
Loren Sweny - Will swim the middle distance freestyle events. Sweny has shown to be a top athlete in the middle distance events. "Loren is the most unheralded athlete we have, she does what is asked and gives the team valuable versatility," comments Litzinger.
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