The University of Missouri sent seven swimmers to compete in this weekend's Eric Namesnik Memorial Grand Prix being held at the University of Michigan's Canham Natatorium in Ann Arbor, Mich.  The event, USA Swimming's first Grand Prix meet of the season, features many of the world's top swimmers.

 

The men's events began this morning with the final of the 400 free, which featured Mizzou junior Max Jaben. Jaben bettered his time with each leg of the race and finished 21^st with a time of 4:07.80. Six-time Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps took first place in the event.

 

Tiger senior and NCAA qualifier Bennett Clark finished 2^nd of 24 swimmers in the finals of the 50 free after recording a time of 23.74. Clark was seeded third heading into the race. Mizzou senior Lex Howard also swam in the event, placing 13^th with a time 24.99.

 

Also in action today was the squad's 400 free relay team of Bennett Clark, Jaben, Jacob Hoffman, and Howard. The four swimmers, led by Clark's time of 53.44, combined for a time of 3:37.80, good enough for fifth place in the event.

 

The Mizzou Swim Team currently sits in fifth place overall with 49 points, putting them just five points behind the third-place North Baltimore Aquatic Club, who has 54 points. Action at the Grand Prix resumes later today and will continue through Sunday.