The North Carolina men’s and women’s swimming and diving teams opened a new season Saturday by breaking 12 meet records at the annual Blue vs. White intersquad meet in Koury Natatorium.
“I think that’s a good sign. It’s a sign that we either are getting better or have more talent,” coach Rich DeSelm said. “I think it’s both.”
Three men set Blue vs. White meet records in two events.
Junior Steve Cebertowicz broke records in the 50- and 100-yard freestyle events, while senior Vinny Pryor set new records in the 100- and 200-yard breaststroke events. Tommy Wyher shattered records in both the 100-yard backstroke and the 100-yard butterfly events.
Wyher, a New Port Richey, Fla. native, is currently the defending ACC champion and record holder in both events. The senior was recently named the team’s most valuable and outstanding swimmer for last season.
“I couldn’t be more proud of an individual,” DeSelm said. “He’s one of the most powerful swimmers in college swimming.”
On the women’s side, senior Rebecca Kane broke her own record in the 50-yard freestyle, while freshman Stephanie Peacock set a meet record in the 500-yard freestyle event.
“To come out and be first, it really means a lot because everyone here is just really fast and everyone trains so hard,” Peacock said.
Underclassmen dominated the pool for the women Saturday as freshman Meredith Hoover won the 200-yard butterfly event, and sophomore Carly Smith won both the 100- and 200-yard backstroke events.