Jayhawk Swimmers Close Out Summer With Stiff Competition

LAWRENCE, Kan. – Six Jayhawk swimmers are set to compete in the 2013 U.S. Open at the William Woollett Jr. Aquatics Center in Irvine, Calif., while incoming freshman Yulduz Kuchkarova ends summer competition at the 2013 World Championships.

The U.S. Open begins July 30 and continues through Aug. 3, and serves as an end of the summer championship for those who are over 18 years of age.

To compete in the U.S. Open one has to qualify from times scored since Jan. 1 of that year.

This is the best collegiate competition in the summer for student-athletes over the age of 18, and is one of three meets that decides the National Team.

Bryce Hinde and Alison Lusk will be competing in the 100- and 200-meter breaststroke. Morgan Sharp will swim the 400-meter freestyle, while Sophiia Filatova, Hinde, Deanna Marks and Haley Molden will team up for the 400-meter medley relay.

 “This is not only big for the girls in it, but for the team as a whole,” head coach Clark Campbell said. “To be the best in swimming, you need summer competition. You become better individually in the summer.”

Along with the six Jayhawks competing in the U.S. Open, Kansas newcomer Kuchkarova is competing in the 2013 World Championships.

Representing her native country of Uzbekistan, Kuchkarova completed her first event at the World Championships recording a time of 1:03.54 in the 100-meter backstroke. She will also be competing in the 50-meter back on Wednesday.

“All of this summer competition is huge for us,” Campbell said. “It’s crucial to continue training in the summer because summer competition should cycle right back into the collegiate season.”

KUAthletics.com: The official online source for Kansas Athletics, Williams Education Fund contributions, tickets, merchandise, multimedia, photos and much, much more.