After the first day of competition at the Big Ten Championships, the Iowa men’s swimming and diving team stands tied for sixth with Northwestern and Indiana at 48 points, trailing Michigan, which leads with 80.

In the 200 medley relay, sophomores Paul Gordon and Ryan Phelan, and juniors Sean Hagan and Max Dittmer finished ninth (1:29.02) out of 10 teams. Michigan finished first with a time of 1:25.72.

The Hawkeyes finished fourth in the 800 free relay. Freshman Jordan Huff, sophomores Duncan Partridge and Paul Gordon, and senior Brian Farris posted a strong time (6:27.66) to help move them up in the point standings.

Iowa continues competition tomorrow with the 500 free, 200 IM, and 50 preliminary races at 11 a.m. and finals at 6 p.m.

— by Patrick Rafferty

The Iowa men’s swimming and diving team completed one of its most memorable seasons in program history Friday evening.

The Hawkeyes (10-1) earned their tenth victory with a 162-52 win over Western Illinois during the final meet at the Field House.

Seniors Brad Jones and Matt Ryan ended their senior season with success as well. Jones won the 50 yard freestyle (21.70) and the 100 freestyle (47.65), while Ryan won the 50 breastroke (26.86).

Iowa will return to action for the Big Ten Championships in Columbus, Ohio on Feb. 24.

— by Patrick Rafferty

The Iowa men’s swimming and diving team got off to a strong start Friday evening at the Shamrock Invite.

After the first day, Iowa leads Denver 78-29 and Notre Dame 66-43, while staying tied with Missouri at 54.5 points apiece.

Sophomores Ryan Phelan and Duncan Partridge, junior Sean Hagan, and freshman Jordan Huff opened the meet with a win in the 200 free relay (1:22.36).

The Hawkeyes then went on to place first in two of the next four events, with sophomores Paul Gordon placing first in the 500 free (4:30.16), and Partridge placing first in the 50 yard freestyle.

After the Iowa’s wins, Missouri went on to win the last two events to keep pace with the Hawkeyes

Iowa continues action tomorrow at 9 a.m. Central time, with the final heats taking place at 4 p.m.

— by Patrick Rafferty

The Iowa men’s swimming and diving team defeated Northwestern, 149.5-144.5, on the final relay of the day Saturday in Evanston, Ill.

Hoping to prove last season’s win over the Wildcats in Iowa City was no fluke, Iowa sealed another triumph away from home. Iowa led the until a late surge by Northwestern put the Hawkeyes on their toes.

With the meet coming down to the last 400 yard relay, Iowa swept the top two spots to win.

The relay team of freshman Jordan Huff, sophomores Paul Gordan and Ryan Phelan, and junior Richard Salhus took first (3:02.31). Seniors Brad Jones, Jake Moore, sophomore Duncan Patridge, and freshman Mitch Taylor took second (3:04.50) to capture the event and the meet.

Iowa returns to action next weekend in South Bend, Ind., for the Shamrock Invite.

– by Patrick Rafferty