Hurricanes Conclude Second Annual Matt Gribble Invitational
Jan. 7, 2006
CORAL GABLES, <?xml:namespace prefix=”st1″ ns=”urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags”?>Fla.– Despite unusually cool South Florida conditions the University of Miami swimming team, alongside squads from Virginia, ColoradoState and the Miami Swimming Club competed in the second Annual Matt Gribble Invitational Saturday morning at the Norman Whitten Student Union pool. <?xml:namespace prefix=”o” ns=”urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office”?>
Virginia, who fielded both a men’s and women’s team, dominated almost every event, including both the 200-medley and the 200-freestyle relays.
Miami junior Andrea Hughes touched the wall first in the 100-butterfly with a time of 58.13. She also finished sixth in the 500-freestyle in a time of 5:17.70. Fellow junior Tara Erwin finished fifth ahead of Hughes in the 500-freestlye with a time of 5:17.46.
Junior Ashley Knapp touched third in the 100-backstroke in 1:00.56 before freshman Christina Rau clocked in a time of 1:10.93 in the 100-breaststroke.
The meet is in honor of former Miami swimmer Matt Gribble who passed away in March of 2004.
Considered one of the most decorated athletes to ever swim for the Hurricanes, Gribble, a native of Miami, was a two-time NCAA champion (1982, 1983) and a four-time All-American (1981-84) in the 100-meter butterfly. He set four school records including the school mark in the 100-meter butterfly that still stands today. Gribble was inducted into the University of Miami Hall of Fame in 1997.
A two-time Olympian, Gribble was a member of the 1980 U.S. Olympic team, which did not compete due to an American boycott in Moscow, and a member of the 1984 U.S. Olympic team. He won the 1982 World Championships in the 100-meter butterfly and held the world record in the event until 1984. He was also a member of the 1982 World Championship gold medal 400-meter medley relay team.
The Hurricanes return to action when they travel to FloridaState Saturday, January 14. Competition begins at 3:00 p.m.
