Jan. 8, 2010

KIRKSVILLE, Mo. - The Lewis University men's swimming team defeated Truman State 104.5 to 100.5 on Friday evening. The Truman women, winners of seven of the last nine national championships, topped Lewis 139.5 to 61.5

"Last year the men's side came down to the last relay," head coach Steve Thompson said. "This year it came down to some people racing tired and sick. Overall we had contributions from everybody."

The Flyers took both 1650 races. Junior Kevin Coates (Louisville, Ky./Ballard) won in 17:58.40 while freshman Orla Power (Greenville, N.C./J.H. Rose) registered a B cut victory with a 17:58.40 performance. Coates also won the 500 freestyle (4:44.49).

Senior Jason Ament (Mokena, Ill./Lincoln-Way East) won the 200 freestyle (1:45.59). Teammate senior Adam Olszeski (Houston, Texas/Friendswood) took second (1:49.46). Junior Allie Henges (Cincinnati, Ohio/Purcell Marion) won the women's 200 freestyle, touching the wall in 1:57.13.

"I'm pleased with how competitive the women are racing," Thompson said. "Truman is a national power and we performed well. When we were here two years ago the women didn't win a race. Now we are competing."

Olszeski won the men's 100 backstroke, finishing in 54.10. Ament also won the 100 freestyle, touching the wall in 48.95.

Freshman Matthew Schmidt (Schererville, Ind./Lake Central) earned the 100 fly title with a 53.13 finish.

The Lewis men finished first in the men's 400 freestyle relay. Ament swam the final leg, helping the Flyers finish in 3:15.55.

Lewis finishes the two-day meet on Saturday at 11 a.m. Scores will be reset for tomorrow's finale.