Dec. 6, 2004

Fairfax, Va.--Four athletes from George Mason University's men's swimming & diving team placed at the U.S. Open this past weekend in San Antonio, Texas as only the top-16 individuals place in each event.

Junior Tim Norton (Virginia Beach, Va.) led the way for the Patriots as he garnered a third place finish in the 400 IM with a time of 4:34.77. Ryan Locte, who won a silver medal in the 200 IM and a gold medal in the 800 freesytle relay this past summer at the 2004 Olympics, won the event with a time of 4:29.95. Norton also finished 12th in the 200 IM with a time of 2:11.39.

Sophomore Tom Koucheravy (Fairfax, Va.) placed 19th in the 400 freestyle (4:05.46) and also finished 16th in the 1,500 meter free (16:23.04). In addition, David Cooper (Sr.; Centerville, Va.) placed 14th in the 200 breaststroke (2:31.31), while sophomore Joe Houchin (Raleigh, N.C.) finished 14th in the 200 butterfly (2:07.13).

The Patriots will not return to action until January as Mason opens up 2005 with competition at the Keys Classic on Jan. 8.