The Daily Gamecock

South Carolina swimming and diving teams open season

The South Carolina men's and women's swimming and diving teams will open their seasons against Wingate, UNC-Wilmington and Queens University Friday and Saturday. 

Last weekend the Gamecocks were able to establish a solid foundation while competing against Georgia Tech. Emma Barksdale won the 100 breast with a time of 1:02.11 and the 200 IM with a time of 2:01.19. In addition, freshman Anton Down-Jenkins continued to be undefeated in dual meets with a 369.30 on the 1-meter board and a 416.55 on the 3-meter against the Yellow Jackets.

Down-Jenkins was also named SEC Men's Freshman of the Week after his results last weekend. With the improvements he's made so far, head diving coach Todd Sherritt credits his ability as a diver. Sherritt said that he is a blessing to work with.

"His improvement over the past five months is absolutely incredible," Sherritt said. "It's rare to get an athlete who is able to make changes as quickly as he does. He has had one great performance after another, which is giving him some momentum going into the championship season. Anton certainly has put himself in a position to contend for championship, and nothing would surprise me with him."

This will be the eighth-straight season that South Carolina has hosted quad-meet. The Gamecocks look to carry their winning momentum from last season when the women finished with a 193-107 win.

Head swimming coach McGee Moody was pleased with the performance of both the men and the women against Georgia Tech and hopes to solidify their improvements.

"The women raced strong in every event and dominated throughout the meet," Moody said. "The men took a very good Georgia Tech team to the last relay. Even though we came up short in the last event, we saw a lot of good things from our men. We are ready to race in our invite next weekend and move into our championship season."

The Gamecocks will begin their meet on Friday at 4 p.m. in the Carolina Natatorium/Blatt PE Center and Saturday at 9:45 p.m. with South Carolina senior recognition. 


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