Aug. 7, 2007

INDIANAPOLIS - Two Tigers were out to make a name for themselves and the Missouri program in Saturday's final day of action at the ConocoPhillips USA Swimming National Championships in Indianapolis, Ind.

Bennett Clark, who claimed a top-24 finish in the 50 free at last year's Nationals meet, was looking to repeat his success in the event again this year. Clark swam strong in the morning's prelims and earned a spot in the finals that evening. At night's end Clark had clocked a new lifetime best of 23.40 and his second 24th-place showing in as many years, cementing his place among the nation's strongest sprinters.

Colleen Gordon also took to the pool Saturday hoping to make a splash in the 1500 free. And the sophomore-to-be did just that. Gordon touched in for a 26th-place finish and a new career best time of 17:02.76.

"It was great to have such a strong representation for our program at the National Championships," said Head Coach Brian Hoffer. "The team performed at a high level. Bennett continues to become one of the best sprinters in the country. I'm also very pleased with Colleen and her lifetime best swim. It was a fun week in Indianapolis."

Missouri will also be represented by juniors Max Jaben and Gilad Kaufman this week at the Israeli National Championships. Jaben has already won gold in the 800 free to become Israel's national champion in the event.