Record-setting swims lead GCU

Friday, October 19

Phoenix, Ariz.

2 p.m.

Grand Canyon

Seattle U

10/19/2018 4:47:00 PM | Men's Swimming and Diving

Lopes win 10 of 11 events in victory vs. Seattle U

By: Nathan Okonek

The Grand Canyon men's swimming team displayed dominance at home Friday against Seattle U, defeating the Redhawks 132-73 by finishing first in 10 of 11 events while setting two pool records.

"We swam very well today and came away with a strong victory for the men, after losing a tough one to Arizona last week," Lopes head coach Steve Schaffer said. "I was very proud of how our freshman swimmers swam, including Mazen (Shoukri) and Alonso (Carazo Barbero), who both set pool records."

The men's relay teams continued their winning streaks, as Mark Nikolaev, Daniil Antipov, Owen Cameron and Bogdan Plavin won the 200-yard medley relay in 1 minute, 30.95 seconds and Samuel McKenzie, Florent Janin, Plavin and Shoukri won the 400 freestyle relay in 3:01.37. Eran Ber, Asahi Nagahata, Noah Lambert and Cameron Carney finished third in the 200 medley relay in 1:29.94.

Shoukri added to his impressive freshman campaign, as the Egyptian picked up two victories, winning the 50 freestyle (20.65) and 100 freestyle (45.22). Shoukri's 100 time broke the Fr. Edward A. Reese Aquatic Center pool record of 45.28, set last season by Steffen Mount of Air Force.

Carazo Babero competed in the 1,650 freestyle, winning the event with a pool-record time of 15:58.72 that was nearly four seconds faster than the previous mark set last year by Collin Green from Air Force. Carazo Barbero also finished second in the 100 breaststroke (58.83).

Nikolaev remained undefeated this season, as the senior from Russia won the 400 individual medley (4:08.45) and the 100 backstroke (47.65).

Antipov continues to produce for the Lopes, winning the 200 freestyle (1:40.03) and taking second in the 100 freestyle (46.31).

McKenzie and Nagahata picked up their first individual wins of the season, as McKenzie finished first in the 100 butterfly (50.86) and Nagahata won the 100 breaststroke (57.42).

"There is an energy with this group that we have not had before in past years," Schaffer said. "Our student-athletes are building a great culture in the pool and outside of the pool that will lead to great things in the future. I am proud of them."

The Lopes are back at the Brophy College Preparatory pool Saturday as they look to complete the weekend sweep against Seattle U. The meet will begin at 11 a.m.

Saturday Meet Schedule

400 Medley Relay
1000 Freestyle
200 Freestyle
50 Freestyle
200 IM
*** 15 minute break ***
200 Butterfly
100 Freestyle
200 Backstroke
500 Freestyle
*** 10 minute break ***
200 Breaststroke
200 Free Relay

Brophy is located at 4701 N. Central Ave. in Phoenix. The pool is on the east side of campus with parking on the south side. Follow the path around the baseball field to get to the pool.

Live video will not be provided, but live stats for Saturday can be found here.

For more on GCU swimming and diving, follow us on Twitter and Instagram at @GCU_Swimming.