North Carolina State University Athletics
Wolfpack Men Fall to Virginia Tech in Tight Contest
10/17/2004 12:00:00 AM | Swimming
Oct. 17, 2004
Junior sprinter Cullen Jones won the 50 and 100 yard freestyle events against Virginia Tech, the same two events he won at the ACC Championship a year ago, to keep NC State in contention, but it wasn't enough as the Hokies prevailed 130-113. Five swimmers won an event, and four Wolfpackers teamed up to take the 400 yard medley relay. Redshirt sophomore Steven Cowling, who was all-ACC two years ago, returned after missing last season with a shoulder injury.
Cowling won the 200 yard individual medley with a time of 1:55.81 in his first collegiate competition since 2003, when he swam the 100 backstroke in a time of 48.64, the eighth fastest time in ACC history.
Jones won the 50 yard freestyle in a time of 20.60 while his 46.59 time in the 100 yard freestyle was also good enough for first in the event. Jones, a preseason All-American, is one of the top young sprinters in the world.
Jones would also anchor the winning 400 yard medley relay team, posting a time of 3:24.50. Newcomer Kevin Velleca swam the lead leg, with Rob Yeager and another newcomer, Lyle Babcock, setting up Jones for the final 100 yards.
Senior Pete Pessagno won the 1000 yard freestyle with a time of 9:46.66 as he solidified his standing as one of the top distance swimmers on the team. Another senior, Rob Yeager, captured the 200 yard breaststroke title with a time of 2:06.18.
The Wolfpack men will return to the pool in two weeks, when they travel to the Tar Heel Invitational in Chapel Hill, N.C. on Oct. 29. The event lasts all day.
Virginia Tech 130, NC State 113 400 Yard Medley Relay - 3:24.50 Kevin Velleca, Rob Yeager, Lyle Babcock and Cullen Jones
1000 Yard Freestyle 1st - Pete Pessagno - 9:46.66
50 Yard Freestyle 1st - Cullen Jones - 20.60
200 Yard IM 1st - Steven Cowling - 1:55.81
100 Yard Freestyle 1st - Cullen Jones - 46.59
200 Yard Breastroke 1st - Rob Yeager - 2:06.18
