Because of the schedule, followers of Albert Lea High School boys’ swimming and diving probably haven’t gotten a true indication of the strength of this year’s team.

Wednesday, January 17, 2001

Because of the schedule, followers of Albert Lea High School boys’ swimming and diving probably haven’t gotten a true indication of the strength of this year’s team.

There have just been too many invitationals.

&uot;We’re a young team, we’re a good dual team,&uot; said coach Jon Schmitz. &uot;I think we’re going to be a late-blooming team. I think, looking at the times we have right now, we’ll do well in the conference.&uot;

On Tuesday, the young Tigers evened their dual meet record at 2-2 with a 98-79 victory over Mankato East in the ALHS pool.

The Tigers dominated the meet, winning 10 of 12 events.

Mark Hickman and Ben Lindeman each won two races. Hickman took the 200-yard individual medley and the 100 backstroke while Lindeman was first in the 200 and 500 freestyle.

Also taking individual firsts for the Tigers were Patrick Bell, 50 free; Mitch Johnson 100 free; and Ben Matheson, 100 breast.

Hickman, Matheson, Ethan Berg and Johnson won the 200 medley relay. Bell, Colton Jensen, Ryan Lowe and Johnson were first in the 200 free relay. Bell, Hickman, Lindeman and Lowe were fastest in the 400 free relay.

Other Albert Lea places: Jensen, second, 200 free and second, 500 free; Lowe, third, 200 free and second, 100 free; Matheson, second, 200 IM; Johnson, second, 50 free; Tim Pirsig, fifth, 50 free and third, 100 breast; Damion Phillips, fourth, diving; Taylor Zimmerman, fifth, diving; Berg, second, 100 butterfly and third, 100 back; Bell, fourth, 100 butterfly; Josh Elwood, fourth, 100 breast.

The Albert Lea junior varsity won 80-42. Placing first were Jordan Neve, 200 free; Chris Borge, 200 IM and 100 back; Derek Nelson, 50 free and 100 free; Adam Muilenberg, 100 breast.

The Tigers host Rochester John Marshall at 6 p.m. Friday.