TEMPE, Arizona, February 9. THOUGH the Territorial Cup is essentially a bragging rights award for the football teams from the University of Arizona and Arizona State University, the privilege of calling themselves the best college sport team in the state trickles down to each sport, including swimming.
Over the years, the Wildcats have had little problem proclaiming themselves as the best Division I swimming and diving teams, and proved it again this weekend with victories over ASU in Tempe.
The Wildcat men’s team beat the Sun Devils 158.5-116.5, while the Arizona women claimed victory with a score of 171.5-101.5.
Among the highlights of the meet were two close battles between new Arizona Widlcat Tjasa Oder and ASU standout Tristin Baxter in the 500 and 1000 freestyles. Oder was the only swimmer under 10 minutes in the 1000, posting a 9:55.21 to Baxter’s 10:00.20. In the 500, Baxter had the lead after 300 yards before Oder began outsplitting her and pulling even with 50 yards to go. A 27.26 from Baxter in the final 50 yards got her the victory, 4:51.15 to 4:51.28.
Barkley Perry, an ASU freshman, beat out NCAA All-American Matt Barber in the men’s 200 free with a 1:39.48 to Barber’s 1:40.41. Also in the hunt for the win were ASU’s Sean Kao and Thomaz Martins, who posted times of 1:40.60 and 1:40.78, respectively. Perry picked up another win in the 200 back, taking down Michael Sheppard with a 1:45.81 to Sheppard’s 1:46.25.
ASU’s Richard Bohus almost took down NCAA finalist Mitchell Friedemann of Arizona in the 100 backstroke, outsplitting Friedemann 24.66 to 24.90 in the last 50 yards. Friedemann, the top collegiate swimmer in the event this season with a 45.52, won with a 48.23 to Bohus’ 48.38. Bohus would return to get an event win, taking the 100 free with a 45.36 over the 45.40 posted by Arizona’s Brian Stevens.
Kevin Cordes put up two of his best breaststroke swims of the season, winning the 100 in 53.75 and the 200 in 1:56.54. Also getting a double was another double reigning NCAA champion Margo Geer. A week after failing to dominate in the sprint freestyles against Texas, Geer won the 50 in 22.66 and the 100 in 49.34.
Full results available by clicking the link below.
Results For: Arizona State men and women vs. Arizona