Huizinga's School Record Highlights Bulldog Invitational

ATHENS, Ga. – Three University of Miami swimmers capped their regular seasons at the Bulldog Invitational, which concluded Sunday on the University of Georgia campus.

Danika Huizinga, Aino Otava and Emma Sundstrand all represented the Hurricanes at the Ramsey Center, with Huizinga highlighting the meet with a school record in the 200-yard backstroke.

Huizinga’s time of 1:55.49 moved her into first place in University of Miami history in the event.

“All three women are walking away with a weekend to be proud of,” head swimming coach Andy Kershaw said. “Danika not only set the Miami record but improved her entry time into the NCAA Championships. We’ll see if it gets picked up. I know she really wanted that record, and she fought for it and got it. I’m very excited about that.”

In addition to Huizinga’s dominant showing, Sundstrand set a personal mark in the 100-yard freestyle at 50.78.

“It’s not her top event but an event where she’s developing and proved she can contend in moving forward,” Kershaw said.

Otava competed in the 500-yard freestyle and 400-yard IM. Though she did not set any personal marks, Kershaw said the weekend provided valuable insight into the training regimen and performance for all three Hurricanes.

“I’m very proud of these women for representing the U, representing our program and taking the last chance,” Kershaw said. “It’s an interesting meet for not just us, but for everyone there. It’s a different vibe and they handled it with a lot of poise and perseverance.

“I’m very proud of them and looking forward to seeing how things shake out with NCAA Championships and the long course meets we have scheduled after. Regardless of the outcome, we’re set up for good things in the future.”