Ungur Reaches All-American Status at NCAA Championships

Friday, March 24

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University of Utah

NCAA Championships

Ungur Reaches All-American Status at NCAA Championships

3/24/2023 7:36 PM | Men's Swimming & Diving

Andrei Ungur takes fifth in 200 backstroke, breaks program record

MINNEAPOLIS – Andrei Ungur earned the title of All-American and broke the program record in the 100 backstroke for the University of Utah swimming and diving team on Friday during the third day of the NCAA Men's Swimming and Diving Championships at Minnesota's Jean K. Freeman Aquatic Center.

In The Pool
Ungur netted his spot in the 100 back A Final by posting the event's eighth fastest time in the preliminary round, clocking in at 45.05. He was even faster in the final, recording a mark of 44.58, easily besting his previous best of 45.00, which also stood as the Utah record in the 100 back.

By achieving this feat, Ungur became only the fourth Ute ever to become an All-American in the 100 back and the first since Jim Giottonini in 1993.

"It was a fantastic day," said head coach Jonas Persson. "I'm super impressed. Andrei had an OK morning swim with less than ideal conditions and he made the right changes for the afternoon, swam with confidence, enjoyed it, and executed perfectly."

Jaek Horner competed in the 100 breaststroke, reaching the finish in 52.65, putting him in 38th.

On The Boards
The list of competitors in Friday's 3m included Utah divers Luke McDivitt and Elias Petersen. Petersen, diving in the final event of his freshman year, was responsible for Utah's top score in the competition, registering a mark of 303.20 to take 42nd, while McDivitt's total of 295.55 placed him in 46th.

"Elias closed out an incredible year," said diving coach Richard Marschner, "and I'm really proud of everything he accomplished. It's exceptionally difficult to come in mid-season and perform as well as he did. He gained the experience and recognition that we needed to get and his future with us is bright. I'm looking forward to Luke closing out his stellar career and our season on his best event tomorrow."

Up Next
Ungur, Horner and McDivitt will all have one more chance to compete on Saturday. Ungur will be in the field in the 200 back, Horner will be swimming in the 200 breast and McDivitt will be climbing the tower.

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