Indian River Sets Two Records in Day One

The Indian River Community College swimming team set two national records while sweeping the first four relays during Day 1 of the National Junior College Athletic Association Championships at Palo Alto College.

The men's and women's 800-yard freestyle relays and 400 medley relays were the only events to go final Wednesday, and the Pioneers won all four. IRCC set a national record in the women's 800 free and men's 400 medley relays.

The men's team of Jacques Du Toit, Kurt Muller, Bill Marcum and Scott Baker finished the 400 medley relay in 3:20.79 to best the previous national record, set by IRCC in 2003, by .22 seconds. It also gave the Pioneers redemption from last year when they disqualified because of a false start.

"Having disqualified in that relay last year, it was a real nice thing for them to come back and set a record in it," IRCC coach Scott Kimmelman said.

The women's 800 free relay team of Amanda Neubig, Vicky Tafur, Clare Clemens and Missy Helmers bettered the previous record set by the Pioneers in 1999 by 4.7 seconds, finishing in 7:35.45.

"We really wanted the record last year, and it didn't happen," Kimmelman said. "We always had the talent, we just needed to put the right pieces together."

The Indian River men's 800 free relay (Micah Belew, Leo Andara, Frenando Costa and Michael Guerra) won in 6:49.20. The women's 400 medley relay (Emily Norris, Kim Martella, Kelly McIntyre and Cortney Place) took first in 3:57.91.