The Tribune

SIX Swift swimmers represented the Bahamas at the Auburn Masters Swimming Invitational. They won 13 races and had six second place finishes. The meet took place at the Auburn University swim complex that is to host the women's NCAA Championships next month. "The meet had some 175 swimmers compete and the events were swum with both men and women of all ages competing in the same event. The format made for some good racing. All races were done in a 25-yard course," according to a press release. Percy Knowles swam in the 80-84 age group and finished second in the 50 breast in 51.20, second in the 100 breast in 1:53.22, and third in the 100 free in 1:41.34. Andy Knowles swam in the 55-59 age group and came away with a first in the 50 breast in 33.55, first in the 100 breast in 1:13.95, second in the 100 IM in 1:06.49, and second in the 50 back in 32.37. Nancy Knowles swam in the 50-54 age group and finished with a 4th in the 50 breast in 47.15, 5th in the 100 breast in 1:43.68, 6th in the 100 free in 1:20.46, and 6th in the 100 IM in 1:32.50. Beth Collins also swam in the 50-54 age group and came away with a first in the 50 fly in 35.15, third in the 50 free in 30.86, and fourth in the 100 free in 1:08.83. Jeremy Knowles swam in the 30-34 age group and won four races with a 1:00.84 in the 100 breast, a 23.20 in the 50 fly, a 50.58 in the 100 fly, and a 1:58.49 in the 200 IM. Elliott Knowles, swimming in the 18-24 age group, also won four races with a 24.49 in the 50 free, a 52.91 in the 100 free, a 2:01.52 in the 200 free, and a 31.46 in the 50 breast. Other exciting events were the relays where Swift had a three generations male relay with Percy, Andy, Jeremy, and Elliott that picked up two second places with a 2:09.80 in the 200 medley relay and a 1:55.57 in the 200 free relay. Two mixed relays made up of two males and two females consisting of Nancy, Beth, Jeremy and Elliott won two first places - one in the 200 free relay in 1:52.97 and the other in the 200 medley relay in 2:08.92. Swift Masters will now focus on the US Nationals in April and the World Championships in June.