Nova Southeastern freshman Anton Lobanov came up with the blowout swim of NCAA Division II Championships Friday night, going 51.63 to become the first-ever Division II swimmer to break 52.
Lobanov cut almost a second and a half off his prelims time to lower the Division II NCAA record in the event, which he broke earlier this year at 52.00. The mark before that was a 52.43 from 2009, the last season full-body suits were legal in collegiate swimming. That old mark was held by Tampa’s Aleksander Hetland.
Lobanov was actually pretty controlled going out, splitting a 24.34 on the opening 50 and only holding a lead of 0.1 seconds over his closest challenger. But he crushed a 27.29 over the final 50 yards to blow out the field and finish in 51.63 for the national mark.
It’s been a huge day for freshmen, and Lobanov’s mark stands up as the third new national record to fall to a freshman so far tonight.
Makes me think they should open up D1 Championship to anyone in the NCAA with the times!
Interesting point, but that would destroy the whole “team” concept – it would turn it into an individual achievement and throw the whole team building process, building a championship team for the division, out the window.
Correct me if I am wrong, I think they used to let D2 swimmers to compete at D1 back in the day..
Until the cap came in event winners in D2 and D3 who also had the D1 qualifying times were able to swim at the D1 meet. Kenyon’s Born evened scored in the 50 back in the mid 80’s.
I agree in principle, but have to question the merits here. Unless I am missing something, why would a swimmer, capable of producing 44+ in the 100 Fly or 51+ in the 100 Breast be going to a DII school. Don’t get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with DII but, these times are top 10 in the nation D1!!!! I guess we can look at the other sports as reference. Maybe these athletes academically weren’t at a level they needed to be to begin their college careers in DI. Many outstanding football and basketball players start at junior colleges and work their way to an elite school within a year or two. Although most swimmers are traditionally solid students,… Read more »
D 2 has different eligibility rules. Lobanov wouldn’t be eligible to swim D 1.
Josa probably choose Queens because it’s close to home and ties with Swim Mac.
Both swimmers seem to be doing just fine swimming in D 2.
Nice swim! It should be noted that he’s a 22 year old first year, so not your typical Frosh.
Impressive! VERY Impressive!
Proud of You Anton!!!! From Singapore Cobi, Harley, Sandy and me send you a big hug my friend #OnceABollesSharkAlwaysABollesShark #LivingTheDream
This is insane to me. As a breaststroker in college, I cannot imagine a 51.6 in Division II. 51’s were jaw dropping only a few short years ago in Division I. Let alone from a FRESHMAN… If this kid can translate to long course, he’s going to be a star.
Gene – Lobanov already has a big resume in long course. He took silver in the 100nd 200 breast at the 2010 Youth Olympic Games.
I believe those DII and DIII athletes that swim times that would place in the Championship Finals of the DI meet should be allowed to compete there. At least that is what was allowed back in the 80s. Well, the alternative is for DI schools to recruit these DI athletes to transfer. 44+ in the 100 Fly and 51+ in the 100 breast. What are we missing here?