LAS CRUCES, N.M.-This summer, the New Mexico State swimming and diving team has three swimmers trying to qualify for a prestigious spot on a national team. Maria Spies recently concluded the German World Championship Trials in Berlin.
Spies finished fifth in the 200 breaststroke with a personal-best time of 2:34.13. In the 50 breaststroke, she collected eighth place following a 32.36 performance, which is also a personal best. Spies posted an 11th-place finish in the 100 breaststroke after a 1:11.68 showing.
“I think Maria had a pretty good meet considering it was still early in the summer season,” head coach Rick Pratt said. “To return to Germany and swim and place better than ever is the goal and Maria did a good job training hard in the spring in our long course facility. I think Maria has adjusted to our system well, and it is nice to see her gain not only strength and speed in the water, but a passion for swimming that our group of swimmers all have.”
Alannah Lawrence travels to Indianapolis for the U.S. World Championship Trials while Tessa Bain heads north to Montreal to compete in the Canadian World Championship Trials, which begins July 8.
“They have been working hard and are looking forward to racing fast at this point of the summer,” Pratt said. “Training and racing in the summer is something that our team takes great pride in and is one of the reasons why we keep improving year to year. In swimming there is not much time to take a break, and luckily for our group they are enjoying the process and they are experiencing much success for their hard work.”
Courtesy: New Mexico State University
