Men's Swim Best Dual Finish In 6 Years, Place 3rd

The Pasadena City College men's swim team swept a double dual meet at Chaffey, defeating El Camino, 162-98, and downing the host Panthers, 196-62, on Mar. 31. That clinched a 5-2 dual meet record, good enough for third place in the South Coast Conference standings. It's the best finish by the Lancers since 2011 when it took second place (6-1). 

The Lancers have made a steady climb in duals as it went 2-5 in 2014, 3-4 in 2015, and 4-3 last year. This was the fourth straight year that the team improved by one placing in conference duals. Mt. San Antonio won its ninth consecutive dual season at 7-0 and Long Beach (6-1) took second place. PCC also can look back at winning a rare non-conference dual over Diablo Valley for a 6-2 overall dual record.

At Chaffey, PCC won both relays as Samuel Jo, Sydney Odent, David Jimenez and Zachary Loomer swam 1:41.46 for first in the 200-yard medley relay. Leo Nuntapramote, Albert Khanipov, Jayson Wilia, and Narek Yeghikyan teamed to win the 400 freestyle relay in 3:33.38.

Five different Lancers won individual events including Jo's three victories in the 100 backstroke (52.90), 200 backstroke (1:58.79) and 100 butterfly (53.34). Odent won the 200 breaststroke (2:13.56) and 200 individual medley (2:02.51) while placing second in the 100 breaststroke (1:00.11). 

Loomer also won two events, taking top spots in the 50 freestyle (23.13) and 100 freestyle (51.95). Wilia won a pair too with his swims in the 200 freestyle (1:54.31) and 200 butterfly (2:05.08). He was third in the 500 freestyle. Yeghikyan won the 1,000 freestyle in 10:31.68 and he was second in the 200 butterfly. Khanipov didn't win but scored two seconds in the 50 free (23.54) and 100 free (52.63). 

"We did a great job in the dual season, and really were as close as two events from going undefeated," said Lancers head coach Terry Stoddard. "Our depth came through at these meets and I'm pleased with how swimmers have taken a team approach, not just wanting to go with their preferences in individual events. We're excited heading into the SCC Championships (April 20-22 at East Los Angeles College)."

The current state top 10 finds Jo leading all California Community College swimmers in both the 100 backstroke (51.85) and 200 backstroke (1:54.55). He is also at No. 5 in the 200 freestyle (1:44.94). Odent is all over the listings as he tops everyone in the 1,000 freestyle (10:03.47), is No. 5 in the 400 IM (4:17.99), ninth in the 500 freestyle (4:52.65), ninth in the 200 butterfly (2:00.58), ninth in the 200 IM (2:00.57), and 10th in the 200 breaststroke (see time above). Yeghikyan is fourth in the 1,000 freestyle (see time above). 

PCC next hosts the 17th Pasadena Invitational Thursday-Saturday, April 6-8 at the Aquatic Center. Diving only on Thursday, then swimming events the final two days.