CANTON, Ohio (March 10, 2010) – Lately, it seems like every time Steph Jeppesen enters the pool, she smashes another school record. Her latest accomplishment was placing fourth and earning All-America status in the 200-yard individual medley Wednesday evening on the first day of the 2010 NCAA Division II Swimming and Diving championships at the C.T. Branin Natatorium.
Jeppesen got to the finish line in 2 minutes, 3.46 seconds, which was more than a second better than the mark of 2:04.59 she established two weeks ago at the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) championships. Fortunately, this record will last a little longer because this was Jeppesen’s last race in the 200 IM as a collegian. Plus the new swimming season won’t start until October.
“She just blew the record away,” Kutztown coach Tim Flannery said. “Steph swam well today and I am very excited. Hopefully she can continue to swim like this over the next three days.”
Heather Wolkom earned honorable mention All-America honors after placing 14th in the 1,000-yard free relay (10:29.62). It was the third fastest effort in school history. Together, Wolkom and Jeppesen helped the Golden Bears earn 18 points on the opening day.
Jordan Shapiro swam the fourth fastest time in school history in the 50-yard freestyle (24.68). The 200-yard free relay team of Allison Sheely, Jeppesen, Shapiro and Nikki Hinsdale swam 1:48.39.
The meet continues Thursday afternoon with the preliminary events and in the evening with the finals.