AUSTIN, Texas — Michael Brinegar made his NCAA swimming debut a splashing one.
The freshman from Columbus finished second in the 1,650-yard freestyle in 14 minutes, 27.50 seconds on Saturday, breaking the school record for the third time this season. He helped lead Indiana University to a third-place finish behind California and Texas at the NCAA Championships in Austin, Texas.
Brinegar’s finish tied for the best by a freshman at this year’s NCAA meet. Minnesota’s Max McHugh was runner-up in the 200 breaststroke.
Brinegar’s second-place finish also was the best in the 1,650 freestyle for an IU swimmer since 1973. It also was the 10th-fastest time ever by an American swimmer ever in the event.
On Thursday, Brinegar finished 26th in the 500 freestyle in a personal-best 4:16.46, improving on a 46th seed.
Next up for Brinegar is the USA Open Water National Championships May 3-5 in Miami, Florida. This year’s USA Open Water National Championship is Step 1 of 2 for USA Open Water swimmers attempting to qualify for the 2020 Toyko Olympics.
