Swimming and Diving Taking the plunge B eginning with a team larger than the year before ~looked promising as the Water Buffaloes began there ~training in September, for a season that would continue until , February. Seven of the 14 members were returning lettermen, two experienced newcomers, four had never swam competitively, and one a diver. Alexander, who holds seven school records, was a hopeful for the national competition in the 1650 freestyle, but missed the qualifying time by six seconds. All was not lost, as he broke the school record in the 200 meter butterfly with a time of 2:05.51. Teammates followed his example and broke many school records. Ashley took the 200 meter freestyle with a 1:49.61 time. The 200 backstroke -was a sure record setter for Fitzgerald with a time of 2:15.46. The 800 meter freestyle relay consisted of Alexander, Ashley, Fitzgerald, and Stephen Harryman who worked together to set a time of 7:40.72. The A.I.C . meet brought the Water Buffaloes to a fourth place standing behind Henderson, Ouachita and Hendrix. The Austin College Invitational in Sherman, Texas, was a success as the Water Buffaloes came home with a second place trophy and personal best times from all the members. The season ended with awards presented by fellow teammates. The most valuable swimmer went to Alexander, most improved swimmer went to Paul Killingworth. The hardest workers went to Chris Boutcher and Scott Peyton. _4 Stroke! Effort is evident in the strokes of freshman Rusty McAlister , from Elizabethtown , Kentucky . Timing was integral in the breast-stroke. - photo by John Radcliffe. Swimming 119
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