Aaronson Swims Michigan’s 10th Fastest 100 Back Ever at First Chance Meet

MICHIGAN FIRST CHANCE MEET

  • February 15-16, 2020
  • Hosted by Michigan
  • Short Course Yards
  • Live Results

Some of Michigan’s swimmers suited up for their First Chance Meet this weekend as their final contest ahead of the Big Ten Championships. Nadav Aaronson dropped 2 seconds in the 100 back, winning the race in 46.86. Aaronson is now ranked #4 in the Big Ten this season and #10 all-time in Michigan’s record books. His time would have qualified for the championship final at least season’s Big Ten meet. Notably, his 100 back time is now less than a tenth slower than his lifetime best in the 100 free (46.70), which he set a month ago.

Spencer Carl put up a collegiate best 1:37.43 in the 200 free. That’s his fastest time in the event since 2017. He took it out with the lead and held off freshman teammate Donald Scott (1:37.57) at the finish. Scott’s time was also a collegiate best and his 2nd fastest performance ever.

Freshman Andrew Trepanier broke 48 for the first time with a lifetime best 47.58 in the 100 fly. He was also hundredths shy of a best with a 20.17 in the 50 free. Aaronson was behind him in 20.19, dropping over half a second.

Bora Unalmis dropped over 2 seconds with his 3:47.50 in the 400 IM. Jack McCurdy broke 55 for the first time in the 100 breast, winning in 54.67. Alex Hughes put up a 1:03.58 in the 100 breast for the Michigan women. That’s about a second shy of a lifetime best. McCurdy also broke 1:50 for the first time with a 1:48.01 in the 200 IM.

In the morning session, Danny Berlitz dropped 6 seconds in the 500 free with a 4:18.02, a time that would have scored in the 2019 Big Ten Championship final. Carl dropped almost 5 seconds there in 4:18.95, which also would’ve made the A final in 2019.

PRESS RELEASE – MICHIGAN

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Freshman Danny Berlitz, junior/sophomore Spencer Carl, freshman Nadav Aaronson and sophomore Bora Unalmis of the University of Michigan swimming and diving team all cracked the top 10 of this year’s Big Ten rankings on the first day of the Michigan First Chance Meet on Saturday (Feb. 15) at Canham Natatorium.

In all, 16 men’s and women’s swimmers suited up and raced on Saturday. Aaronson made the biggest jump, vaulting to No. 4 in the Big Ten this year after going 46.86 in the 100-yard backstroke. It’s also the 10th-fastest time in U-M history.

In the morning session, the biggest swims came in the 500-yard freestyle. Berlitz went 4:18.02, the sixth-best time in the Big Ten this year, while Carl was right behind him in 4:18.95, the seventh-best time in the Big Ten this year.

In the evening, freshman Andrew Trepanier went 47.58 in the 100-yard butterfly, a time that ranks him 13th in the Big Ten. Two swimmers also cracked the top-24 rankings in the 400-yard IM, including Unalmis, who was clocked in 3:47.50, the fifth-best time in the Big Ten. Senior Tim Hanson now ranks 19th (3:52.86).

Two women’s swimmers also raced on Saturday. Junior Alex Hughes went 1:03.58 in the 100-yard breaststroke, while freshman Kate Kikilo went 58.49 in the 100-yard backstroke.

The Michigan First Chance Meet will continue Sunday (Feb. 16) at Canham Natatorium. Events will begin at 11 a.m., with time trials following at 4 p.m. Admission is free.

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4 years ago

he may have the 10th fastest time but he is ALWAYS first in alphabetical orders.

are there any other double a last names?

I can’t think of any

Todd Kramer
Reply to  Stephen Gomez
4 years ago

I used to coach a kid whose last name was Aaby. Pronounced like Obi in Obi-Wan Kenobi.

#MFan
4 years ago

Nice to see Nadav getting back into top shape… not sure how much he was able to swim the past two years while doing his mandatory military service. Hope he can hold his taper.
Curious to see how Eric Storms tapers since he swam a 47.61 100 BK in a dual meet last month.
With Wyatt Davis coming in next year… Michigan is finally getting its backstroke situation back on track.

Dcswim
4 years ago

Where’s UMich’s Top 10 located on their site? Can’t seem to find it

frizzaly
Reply to  Dcswim
4 years ago
#MFan
Reply to  frizzaly
4 years ago

FYI… the record book isn’t updated yet with any times from the current year. It gets updated after the year is over. For example, Jeremy Babinet (51.63) and Will Chan (51.91) both broke 52 seconds in the 100 breast in December.

for current year top times… https://mgoblue.com/documents/2019/9/23/sdm_bests_2019_20.pdf

Dcswim
Reply to  frizzaly
4 years ago

Thank you!

Jimbo
4 years ago

I thought that was a typo in the thread

Confused
4 years ago

Two of the 500 frees swum would have also scored in the A final last year

Cow milk
Reply to  Confused
4 years ago

Im pretty sure Unalmis’ 400IM and Aaronson’s 100 back would have been A finals last year too. Some fast swimming going on

Confused
Reply to  Cow milk
4 years ago

Aaronson’s would have, as the article states. Unalmis’ would not.

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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