For the first time in the past 31 years, the Cal men’s swimming team dethroned rival Stanford as Pac-12 Champions with a 825-800 score.
At Federal Way, Wash., the Bears was able to end Stanford’s streak by getting tremendous contributions from senior Tom Shields and the relay teams. Cal relied on the versatile Shields to continue his dominance. As a multi-event threat, he demonstrated durability by racing in a variety races and relays and coming out with victories in the 100 fly, 100 back and 200 fly races.
Setting the Pac-12 meet record in 400 IM with a time of 3:41.82, freshman Josh Prenot was a pleasant surprise and led the freshman group that propelled Cal to victory.
With the relays always being at the end of each day, the Cal’s relay teams pulled out important victories to give Cal more momentum into the next day. The relay team consisting of Shields, junior Tony Cox, senior Trevor Hoyt and junior Shayne Fleming finished with 200 medley title for the sixth year in a row and a runner-up finish in 800 free relay.
Hoyt, Shields, freshman Jacob Pebley and sophomore Seth Stubblefield combined to capture the final event in 400 medley relay.
“The key to our success tonight was our performance in the morning prelims that put us in position to score points,” coach David Durden said. “We capped it off with a nice race in the 400 medley relay.”
Hunter He covers men’s swim. Contact him at [email protected]