October 24, 2007

(Meadville, Pa.): Clarion University opened the men's and women's swimming and diving season on a successful note on Wednesday night as the Golden Eagles swept Allegheny in a dual meet.

The men defeat the Gators 139.5 - 96.5, while the women downed Allegheny 131-111. Both programs are now 1-0 on the season under 8th year head coach Mark VanDyke.

The women were led by Rebecca Burgess (So. Gibsonia/Pine Richland) who won three individual events. Burgess captured the 200 IM (2:16.68), 500 free (5:24.36) and 100 breaststroke (1:09.78).

Also taking individual events were Lori Leitzinger (Sr. State College) in the 100 back (59.46), Kaitlyn Johnson (Fr. Uniontown) in the 100 fly (59.53) and divers Teagan Riggs (Sr. Meadville) in the 1 meter (240.45) and Jena Gardone (So. Apollo/Kiski) in the 3 meter 270.15) diving.

On the men's side, Dustin Fedunok ((So. Gibsonia/Pine Richland) was a double winner, taking first place in the 200 IM (2:06.08) and the 100 freestyle (50.17) races.

Other men's winners included Garet Weston (Fr. Indiana) in the 100 backstroke (56.85), Ryan Thiel (So. Ligonier) in the 500 free (4:55.11), Rich Eckert (So. Versailles/ McKeesport) in the 100 breast (1:01.05) and diver Clay Bowers (Fr. Weedville/St. Marys) in 3 meter diving (270.37).

Clarion will visit Carnegie Mellon University on Saturday, October 27th.