By AMBER ALBRECHT
The BYU swimming and diving teams dominated last weekend in the first dual meet of the season.
Friday the Cougs prevailed over Air Force despite swimming in a bromide-laced pool.
Chemical bromide had been detected in the Falcons’ pool during the week, and the meet was delayed an hour to allow health officials to clear the pool for competition.
Freshman Josh Johnston, who is allergic to bromide, was forced to watch from outside much of the meet.
“The water was dark green and you couldn’t see the walls,” said men’s coach Tim Powers. “Our guys did a good job in a very tough meet.”
The Cougar men were led by Johnston, who came in to win the 200 butterfly. Freshman Gary Tan and sophomore Rob Morris also chalked up wins.
“It seemed like the odds were against us the entire weekend with the altitude and the bromide, but a lot of guys stepped up and performed well,” said team captain John Lowry.
On the women’s side, Amy Lueken and Melissa Belliston won their races, while freshman Amanda Grant had her best showing of the season by claiming the second spot in the 200 IM.
BYU divers also contributed big points for the win.
On the women’s side, Rachelle Smith Kunkel claimed the 1-meter board, and Kelli Einfeldt captured the top spot in the 3-meter event.
The Cougar men claimed the top three spots in both the 1- and 3-meter events. Sophomore Viraj Patil won the 1-meter, and senior Devan Porter led the way in the 3-meter.
Within 24 hours, the teams were back in the water to sweep Wyoming Saturday afternoon.
The men won by a 136-107 margin, while the women posted a 145-97 victory.
“We swam a lot better against Wyoming than against Air Force,” said women’s head coach Stan Crump. “Anytime we can get out of Laramie alive, we’re happy.”
With the wins, the men improved their record to 4-3, and the women upped to 3-1.
The women will host Colorado State and New Mexico this weekend in Provo.
