Schwippert, Dugan Earn Spots in 2012 Olympic Swim Trials
BUFFALO, NY – Two University at Buffalo men's swimmers qualified for the 2012 United States Olympic Trials with top performances at national meets earlier this summer.
Sophomore Matt Schwippert qualified in the 100- and 200-meter backstrokes at the 2010 U.S. Nationals while freshman Mike Dugan qualified in the 100-meter butterfly at the 2010 U.S. Junior Nationals. Both meets were held in Irvine, CA in August.
Schwippert turned in times of 57.30 in the 100-meter backstroke and 2:04.96 in the 200-meter backstroke. Dugan finished his 100-meter butterfly in 55.28.
"It's a great honor for Matt and Mike and the UB swimming and diving program," said head coach Andy Bashor. "This is a representation of their hard work and commitment to swimming at the highest level. We have several other swimmers just missing the qualifying standards so I fully expect to have more UB swimmers joining them at the meet in the next couple of years."
Schwippert broke three school records and won the 200-yard backstroke at the Mid-American Conference Championships, setting the league record with a time of 1:45.23. He also set UB records in the 100-yard backstroke (48.12) and 100-yard butterfly (48.91), finishing in second place in both events at the MAC Championships. He was also part of two record setting relay squads for the Bulls at the meet.
Dugan won the New York State championship in the 100-yard butterfly and was fourth in the 50-yard freestyle for Mohonasen-Schalmont High School.
The 2012 Olympic Trials will be held from June 25-July 2, 2012 at the Qwest Center in Omaha, NE. The Olympic team, which will compete in London, will be determined at this meet.