Gator Men’s Swimming Finishes Third at NCAA Championships; Win Two Titles

The Florida men’s swimming team recently finished third in the NCAA Championships.  The Gators won two national titles, broke eight school records, and had  37 All-American honors. Leading the way for the Gators was Co-2016 NCAA Swimmer of the Year Caeleb Dressel who won the 100-yard freestyle and the 50-yard freestyle. Dressel received seven All-American honors, and earned the third overall title in his young career, successfully defending his 50-yard freestyle title from last year.

Your 2016 Co-NCAA Swimmer of the Year! Congratulations, Caeleb! pic.twitter.com/SpmtYlRiA5

— Gators Swimming & Diving (@GatorsSwimDv) March 27, 2016

Dressel not only broke the NCAA record in both events but also set the U.S. Open and American record. Dressel also set a school record in the 100-yard butterfly and participated in record breaking performances in the 200-yard freestyle relay, 200-yard medley relay, and the 400-yard freestyle relay.

Here's the finish, Gator Nation! Caeleb's 40.46 100-Yard Freestyle — the fastest in history! #Gators #NCAASwimDive pic.twitter.com/ZfTaTBT7Ws

— Gators Swimming & Diving (@GatorsSwimDv) March 26, 2016

Also leading the way for the Gators were All-Americans Jan Switkowski (7) and Mark Szaranek (6) who both had impressive weekends. Switkowski was a major factor for Florida’s 800-yard freestyle relay that set a school record in a third place finish. Szaranek participated in multiple events that included teaming up with senior Corey Main, Dressel, and Switkowski on Saturday night for the 400-yard freestyle relay where they finished in third place to help lock up Florida’s overall third place finish at the championships.

Since joining the Gators in 1999-2000, head coach Gregg Troy has led Florida to a top 10 finish every year.  The University of Texas won the team overall title with 541.5 points  followed by California with 351 points and Florida rounded out the top three with 334.