2018 U.S. Nationals Day 1: Brinegar (1500 free, #8), Rooney (200 fly, #15) Scratch out; Eastin Still in

2018 U.S. NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS

We’re getting ready for the first session of the 2018 U.S. Nationals in Irvine, California. The meet kicks off with the 200 fly, 100 free, women’s 800 free, and men’s 1500 free.

We have one scratch out of the top 8 for day 1, with junior star Michael Brinegar opting out of the 1500 free. Brinegar made headlines this season when he won Winter Juniors in a blistering 14:37 mile, then later in the spring popped a 14:35 to become the 3rd fastest 17-18 American ever. He was just a second off PJ Ransford’s NAG Record and dropped nearly 20 seconds from his time throughout the season. The women’s distance race got a scratch as well as 14-seed Leah Stevens of Stanford has opted out of the 800 free.

The only other major scratch for day 1 came from Florida’s Maxime Rooney in the 200 fly. Rooney was the 15th seed there, but will instead focus only on the 100 free tomorrow, where he’s seeded 10th. Scratching out of the 100 free, on the other hand, was Olympic backstroker Jacob Pebley, the 18th seed.

Rooney is definitely more well known for his freestyle races, but he did show some potential in the 200 fly after putting up a lifetime best 1:58.57 at the 2017 U.S. Open. He’s been as fast as 48.87 in the 100 free before, making him a definite contender for a finals spot. The 200 fly will come before the 100 free in tomorrow’s session, so this move gives him a better shot at a final in that race.

Stanford’s Ella Eastin is still entered for the 200 fly tomorrow. Eastin, who has been sick with mononucleosis, could have potentially missed the meet altogether, but it looks like she may be going for it despite her illness.

Top 24 Scratches – Wednesday Prelims:

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Klorn8d
6 years ago

Since brinegar made pan pacs in open water can he swim the 1500 at the meet? That may be his strategy if he’s allowed to

swimmerTX
Reply to  Klorn8d
6 years ago

Yes, in the USA swimming article they published about him a few weeks ago he said that was his intention

Caleb
6 years ago

Brinegar looked like a real contender… anyone know if he’s out of the meet? That was definitely his big race so giving up shots at Pan Pacs, WCs, etc… sick? hurt? Or was he not really racing this summer anyway?

kdswim
Reply to  Caleb
6 years ago

He can still qualify for WC at Pan Pacs (he is already going for OW) and the OW swimmers can swim pool events. But he is giving up WUGs chance and possibly another next summer meet only decided by Nationals.

Caleb
Reply to  kdswim
6 years ago

ah well in that case it makes sense.

swimmerTX
Reply to  Caleb
6 years ago

He wasn’t planning on swimming Nats because he already got his spot for OW

Random Guniea Pig
6 years ago

Brinegar is already on the Pan Pac team for open water. Does that mean he can swim pool events there.

Friuti
Reply to  Random Guniea Pig
6 years ago

Not certain but I saw a comment yesterday saying that open water swimmers can swim pool events.

kdswim
Reply to  Random Guniea Pig
6 years ago

Yes, The Pan Pac OW Swimmers can swim pool events at Pan Pacs. The two male Tennessee Pan Pac OW swimmers are not tapering for their National swims and just training thru I believe.

Philip Johnson
6 years ago

Hope Eastin is doing well.

Ol' Longhorn
Reply to  Philip Johnson
6 years ago

Me, too. Even with mono, the resultant prolonged taper after her brutal training for the 400 IM might give her just enough to still have a good 200 fly to make the team. She’s tough as nails, so I still expect her to do well. Go Ella!

Tyler
Reply to  Philip Johnson
6 years ago

And I need her for my picks!😀

Bigboi1007
Reply to  Tyler
6 years ago

We’re talking about a real person, remember that….

He Gets It Done Again
6 years ago

Jacob Pebley scratched the 100 free. Brinegar’s out of the 1500 fastest heat

About Lauren Neidigh

Lauren Neidigh

Lauren Neidigh is a former NCAA swimmer at the University of Arizona (2013-2015) and the University of Florida (2011-2013). While her college swimming career left a bit to be desired, her Snapchat chin selfies and hot takes on Twitter do not disappoint. She's also a high school graduate of The …

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