COLLEGE PARK, Md. – West Chester University’s men’s swimming team took its first steps toward preparation for nationals by traveling down to College Park, Md., to compete in the Terrapin Cup Invitational hosted by the University of Maryland.
West Chester is one of eight teams in the field, which consists of six Division I institutions and Johns Hopkins, besides the Golden Rams. After six events, West Chester’s men have recorded four top-four finishes, including one runner-up performance in the 500-yard freestyle.
Sophomore distance specialist Tommy Rhoads clocked 4 minutes, 32.09 seconds in the 500 free to placed second behind a swimmer from University of Connecticut. Senior Kenny McCormick touched the wall in 1:50.97 in the 200 Individual Medley. Freshman Ryan Stahley touched out in 20.17 seconds in the 50 free to place third as well.
The 200 free relay team of Phil Lecavage, McCormick, Josh Pauley and Stahley placed fourth overall with a time of 1:23.84.
The meet, which is structured much like the NCAA Championships meet at the end of the season, continues on Friday with eight more events. Prelims in the morning begin at 10 a.m. with finals in the evening beginning at 6 p.m.
The 200 medley relay, 400 IM, 100 butterfly, 200 free, 100 breaststroke, 100 backstroke and 800 free relay are on deck for Friday’s day two of the Terrapin Cup Invitational.
