March 12, 2005

WINTER PARK Fla.--Sophomore Michael Lapustin became just the second male swimmer in Lewis University history to earn All-America honors at the NCAA Division II Swimming and Diving Championships when he placed 10th in the 200 yard individual medley.

The finish, on day 1 of the championships, was the highest ever for a Lewis male swimmer. He earned All-America honorable mention status and joined Josh Rogers as the only Lewis swimmers to claim that distinction. Lapustin's time of 1:53.10 tied the school record that he set on February 17, 2005.

On Day 3, Lapustin competed in his best event and became Lewis' first male All-American. He placed seventh in the 100 backstroke, swimming a school-record 50.94. As a result, he becomes the first male swimmer in school history to earn multiple All-America honors.

Lapustin's performances have Lewis sitting in 23rd place overall in the team standings.

The 200 backstroke on Saturday will offer Lapustin a chance to register his third All-America performance of the championships.