Nov. 19, 2006

The Grand Valley men's swimming and diving team fell to Clarion University 156-143 despite a strong attempt. Justin Barkel proved a strong performance as he recorded two first place finishes for the Lakers. Barkel finished first in the 100-yard breaststroke and the 200-yard breaststroke. Chris Conner followed Barkel in both events, finishing second and third, respectively. Barkel was awarded second place in the 400-IM, and was also part of the 200-yard medley relay team of Evan Kobes, Kyle Barrons and Justin Vasquez, which also earned a second place finish.

Matt Witkowski displayed a strong performance as he finished first in the 200-yard freestyle, second in the 500-yard freestyle and third in the 50-yard freestyle. Aaron Phillippe followed Witkowski finishing third in the 500-yard freestyle and the 200-yard freestyle.

Justin Vasquez aided the Lakers with a first place finish in the 200-yard butterfly, while taking second in the 100-yard freestyle. Tony Stumpo followed Vasquez, finishing second in the 200-yard butterfly. Kyle Barrons won the 100-yard butterfly, as Phil Watkins came in second. Ross Perry finished third in the 1000-yard relay for the Lakers.

Evan Kobes also assisted the Lakers as he earned two second place finishes in the 100-yard backstroke and the 200-yard backstroke. Kobes also earned second as part of the 200-yard freestyle relay of Daniel Kimble, Aaron Renton and Matt Witkowski. Paul Tansey, Ryan Whitsitt, Aaron Phillippe and Ben Jylkka finished third for the Lakers.

Joel Overway recorded two second place finishes, tallying 219.3 in the one-meter dive and 285.58 in the three-meter dive. Ryan Smith recorded 207.23 in the one-meter to finish third. Evan Betts finished third in the three-meter dive, tallying 216.45.

The Lakers travel to Wheaton, Ill. to compete at the Wheaton College Invitational on Dec. 1 at 9:30 a.m.