North Carolina State University Athletics
Pack Men Terrorize Terps in Home Opener
10/18/2003 12:00:00 AM | Swimming
Oct. 18, 2003
RALEIGH, N.C. - The NC State men's swimming & diving team opened the season on a high note with a dominating win over ACC foe Maryland in the Wolfpack's season and home opener. The squad took wins in 10 of the 13 events on the day, culminating in a 154-83 win over the Terps. Wolfpack mid-distance and distance groups looked remarkable after emphasizing the importance of success in the events during the training season. On the boards, Vitor Assuncao made his first debut for the Pack and wasted no time setting a new 1-Meter record.
The men scored big right away with a win in the 400 Medley Relay. Robert Terrell, Brian Pursley, Kevin Devine and Scott Dettloff teamed up to turn in a time of 3:24.67, almost six seconds ahead of Maryland's second-place team.
The squad's distance freestylers had a great day in the pool, taking a one-two-three finish in the 1000. Pete Pessagno touched the wall in a time of 9:37.44 to lead the men. Chris Nixon and Seth Hoffman took second and third. The Pack struck again in the 200 Free, taking the top three spots. Jack Deal, Brian Pursley and Jorge Gutierrez finished up front with Deal turning in a time of 1:42.70. Later, Pessagno took his second victory of the day with a win in the 500 Free, posting a time of 4:39.19. Deal was close behind in second, and Billy Booth took fourth.
Maryland's Mark Hill beat out John Hudson and Scott Dettloff, who scored second and third, in the 50 Free with a time of 20.93.
The Pack put together its third sweep of the meet in the 200 IM. Senior Cristian Rojas finished first, followed by Rob Yeager and Chris Nixon. Rojas's time of 1:55.80 was four one-hundredths faster than Yeager.
Deal, Hudson and Seth Hoffman scored for the Pack in the 200 Fly. Deal and Hudson finished two and three behind Terp Andrew Foran. Maryland's Justin Smith won the 100 Free, but three Wolfpack men scored with Dettloff taking second, and Gutierrez and Rojas coming in fourth and fifth.
Rob Terrell turned in a time of 1:51.11 on his birthday to win the 200 Back. He split the last 50 yards in 26.81 to make the push to the front and take the victory. Rob Yeager quickly jumped out front in the 200 Breast, and stayed focused to finish with a win in a time of 2:12.50. Rick Scott finished third and Pessago completed scoring in fifth.
Pursley, Hudson, Deal and Dettloff added points in the 400 Free Relay with a strong win. Dettloff's splits in the anchor leg were the fastest of any others in the race. Maryland scored in second and third.
In diving action, freshman Vitor Assuncio looked as good as advertised, sweeping wins on the 1- and 3-Meter boards. Assuncio posted a 344.55 on the 1-Meter, setting a new school record previously held by Andy Johnson (1999-343.20). On the 3-Meter, he put together a 306.50 to head scoring for the Wolfpack on the boards. Assuncio's scores automatically qualify him for NCAA Zones. Steve House finished third on both boards.
The Pack Men will return to action next Thursday, Oct. 22, at home versus Notre Dame. Action is slated to begin at 5 p.m. Admission is free to the public.
