ORLANDO, Fla. – James Madison swimming & diving set a school record on Wednesday afternoon during the first day of the four-day 2023-24 Sun Belt Conference Championship at the Rosen Aquatic & Fitness Center.
Â
The Dukes and Marshall come out of the first day tied for the lead in the four-team field at 74 points each. Georgia Southern and Old Dominion are tied at 62 points behind the two front runners.
Â
The team of
Cameron Gring,
Riley Bridgman,
Madison Cottrell and
Jamie Cornwell kicked off the championship by setting a Sun Belt championship meet and school record in the 200 Medley Relay, swimming a time of 1:38.53 to take the gold. The winning time was nearly two seconds faster than the previous JMU record, set in 2013.
Â
In the second event of the day, the team diving exhibition, the Dukes finished third as the trio of
Natalie Jones,
Maddie O'Mera and
Kate Vitolo recorded a score of 226.10
Â
JMU then finished second in the 800 Free Relay as the team of
Katelyn Fitzgerald,
Alex Volk,
Jess Pryne and
Grace Bousum swam a time of 7:19.31 for the 10
th fastest time in program history.
Â
Program Top 10 Placements
Â
Up Next
The second day of the Sun Belt Championship will continue on Thursday, Feb. 15 as prelims begin at 10 a.m., diving at 1 p.m. and finals at 6 p.m. Events being featured during the day are the 500 Free, 200 IM, 50 Free, 3-meter board and 200 Free Relay. Coverage will begin on ESPN+ at 1 p.m. and live results are accessible on the Meet Mobile App throughout the day.
Â