July 31, 2008

MINNEAPOLIS, MINN - The University of California men's swimming program has had some impressive performances during the U.S. Open, held July 29 through August 2 at the at the University of Minnesota Aquatic Center in Minneapolis, Minn. On Wednesday, July 30, William Copeland, who recently completed his eligibility with the Golden Bears, placed second in the 100-meter (long course) freestyle with a time of 49.85.

Another top swim for the Cal men during the U.S. Open was Sean Mahoney, who placed third in the 200-meter (long course) breaststroke with a mark of 2:12.57 on Tuesday, July 29. Mahoney will be a junior for the Bears this upcoming collegiate season. His time in the 200 breast topped the former U.S. Open meet record of 2:12.87 set by Mike Barrowman on December 1, 1991. Mahoney also placed 13th in the 400-meter (long course) individual medley on Wednesday with a mark of 4:26.89.

Another Cal affiliated competitor at the U.S. Open is David Russell, who will be a senior for the Bears next season. Russell placed ninth in the 200-meter (long course) backstroke, winning the B final with a time of 2:00.56.

The Cal contingent will next race on Friday, August 1 with Russell swimming in the prelims of the 100-meter back, Mahoney competing in the prelims of the 100-meter breast and senior John Foster swimming in the prelims of the 200-meter freestyle.