Even with only two competitors in the mix, the LSU men’s swimming and diving team found a way to shatter program records at the NCAA Championship meet Saturday.
Junior Craig Hamilton garnered his second straight NCAA Honorable Mention All-American honors with a 10th place finish in the 1,650-yard freestyle. He posted a personal and program best of 14:45.94, eclipsing his previous school record set at the Southeastern Conference Championships by 12 seconds.
“For him being able to come back four weeks later [after the SEC Championship meet] and make a really significant drop, it was a huge swim,” said head swimming coach Dave Geyer. “He went out pretty quick and was able to hold onto it.”
With the performance, Hamilton becomes the first swimmer in program history to repeat as an All-American in the 1,650-yard freestyle. Geyer said Hamilton’s progression in the event has been exceptional, noting that he finished last in the event his freshman season and 15th last season at the NCAA Championships.
Hamilton’s performance further establishes him as one of the top distance swimmers in program history. But, Geyer said both he and Hamilton have already begun discussing how he can do even better during his senior season.
“We’re already talking about what it’s going to take next year to get top 8 at this meet,” Geyer said.
Sophomore diver Daniel Helm became the program’s 13th NCAA All-American on the platform after an Honorable Mention 12th- place finish. It was the first NCAA Championship appearance for Helm and his first All-American honor.
Helm added a 22nd-place finish on the one-meter springboard and a 24th-place finish on the three-meter to round out the championships.
“I am really proud of Daniel’s performance at his first NCAA Championships,” said diving coach Doug Shaffer in a news release. “He really persevered and never gave up on his quest for All-American status.”
Overall, the Tigers finished with 12 points, good enough for a 31st place finish.
Geyer said the season as a whole for the men’s team was one to remember. The team finished in the top 5 at the SEC Championships for the second straight year, which it hasn’t accomplished since 2000. He also lauded Hamilton, who personally claimed three program records this season.
 
—-
Contact Chandler Rome at [email protected].