Feb. 11, 2009
The Arizona State swimming and diving teams head south to compete in their final dual of the season against in-state rival and defending NCAA champions Arizona. The meet begins at 1:00 p.m. MT.
Record Holder
Micky Benedetti added another accomplishment to his impressive resume. The senior from Rome broke ASU great Joona Puhakka ASU record in the 3-meter at the Dallas Morning News. The new standard is now set at 455.40. On top of that, Benedetti's score also stands as the Joe Perkins Natatorium. His score crushed the previous 19-year mark, which was set by none other than ASU head diving coach Mark Bradshaw.
Top of the Pac:
For his outstanding performance in January, Benedetti was honored with his sixth Pac-10 Diver of the Month recognition. His total of six set a new record for the monthly award.
Top 10
This season's Texas Invitational produced multiple top ASU times. Sean Boyle had a breakthrough weekend and is now second all-time in the 200 fly (1:44.98) and sixth (1:35.91) in the 200 free. Mohammed Madwa entered his name at No. 9 after clocking in a time of 20.05 in the 50 free. Max Laney earned his place at sixth in the 200 back on ASU's all-time list with a time 1:46.22.
On the women's side, Jen Beckberger improved to third all-time in the 100 free with a time of 49.11. Sasha Stephens carved her name at third in the 100 back with a time of 54.70. The freshman also tied for third in the 200 back at 1:58.22. Jamie Martinez is now second all-time in the 200 back with a time of 1:57.63. The San Jose, Calif., native is now ninth in the 400 IM too with a time of 4:19.98 and put herself at fourth all-time in the 100 back after clocking in a leadoff time of 54.78 in the 400 medley relay. Freshman Jordyn Green burst into the Sun Devil top 10 list in both the 100 and 200 breast. The Reno, Nev., native clocked in times of 1:01.83 and 2:12.48 to put herself at third and fourth in the 100 and 200 breast respectively. Ashton Aubry improved to second all-time in both the 100 and 200 fly. The junior from Leawood, Kan., earned times of 52.51 and 1:57.14 respectively. Penelope Yamauchi entered her name at ninth in the 200 IM with a time of 2:02.93.
Not Now Chief, They're In the Zone!
Benedetti, Cameron Bradshaw, Erin Hobbs and Brittany Jumer have all qualified for the NCAA Zone "E" Meet. All four earned their spot in the meet against Washington. Last week in Dallas, Cameron Bradshaw set a new personal best in the three-meter. His new career-best is 342.53. Bradshaw placed third in the event.
Go Green
Freshman Green had a great weekend against the Pac-10 Bay Area schools. Green swept the breaststroke events to earn 36 points for the Sun Devils over the weekend.
Senioritis
Senior Boyle has already began to make a statement his senior year. The Lake Elsinore, Calif., native has already earned three NCAA consideration times. At the Texas Invitational, Boyle moved himself to second on ASU's all-time list with an NCAA consideration time of 1:44.98. He placed fourth in the event. Boyle also shattered his personal record in the 200 free to put him at sixth on ASU's all-time list at 1:35.91. Boyle also earned an NCAA consideration time in the 500 free with a time of 4:23.03.
Madame Butterfly
Aubry picked up right where she left off last season. The 2008 NCAA qualifier is inching closer and closer to the 100 and 200 fly records. Aubry, who is currently second all-time in both events, is less than a second off Caitlin Andrew's 100 fly record and is about 30 tenths away from the 200 fly record.
Trio of Youngsters
Green, Sasha Stephens and Yamauchi have given the Sun Devils a burst of new energy. Green, who had qualified for the 2008 U.S. Olympic Trials, is now in the top five on ASU's all-time lists in both breaststroke events. Stephens is already second all-time in the 100 back and is third in the 200 back. Yamauchi, who is one of the team's most versatile swimmers, is now ninth in the 200 IM.
Ms. Versatile
Martinez, a junior from San Jose, Calif., is the women's team top all-around swimmer. Martinez has her name in five all-time lists: 100 and 200 back, 100 and 200 fly and 400 IM. The utility swimmer is about one second off the 200 back record.
Up Next:
The women's team and the diving team will head to Federal Way, Wash., for the Pac-10 Championships held Feb. 25-28. The men's Pac-10 Championships will be held Mar. 3-8.