Arizona senior Ryk Neethling set a U.S. Open record in the 400 meter freestyle with a 3:40.47, two seconds ahead of Southern Cal freshman Erik Vendt (3:42.81).
"I was a little disappointed with the time, but the points are what matter most at this meet," said Neethling, saying he feels in the best shape of his life. "I swim better when I have someone next to me, but I got lost in the middle out there."
Chris Thompson of Michigan was third in 3:43.81. Scot Goldblatt of Texas was fourth in 3:44.44. Adam Messner of Stanford was fifth in 3:46.07. Michael Windisch of Nebraska was sixth in 3:47.28, Mark Warkentin of Southern Cal was seventh in 3:47.53 and Austin Ramirez of Virginia was eighth in 3:47.76. Jon Younghouse of Texas won the consolation final in 3:46.07.