June 5, 2008

OMAHA, Neb. - George Mason volunteer assistant swimming coach Kate Ziegler took home the first gold medal at the Mutual of Omaha Swimvitational with her win in the women's 1500m free. Ziegler, who holds the world record in the event, finished in 16:13.93. Additionally, former Patriot great Tom Koucheravy won the men's 800m free with a time of 8:06.31.

The Mutual of Omaha Swimvitational is the first swim meet to be held in the Qwest Center in Omaha, Neb., the same location where the 2008 Olympic Team Trials - Swimming will be held, June 29 - July 6.

Club Wolverine's Emily Hanson (Bloomington, Ill.) was second in the women's 1500m free in 16:47.72 and Maggie Bird (Muncie, Ind.) was third in 16:51.91. In the men's 800m free, Matt Biel (Walnut Creek, Calif.) was second behind Koucheravy in 8:07.17. JK Koehler (Springfield, Ohio) was third in 8:13.31.

The meet action continues Friday with men's and women's events in the 100m free, 200m breast, 400m free, 100m fly, and 400m free relay. Prelims begin at 9:30 a.m. CT and finals start at 6 p.m. CT. Finals competition from the Mutual of Omaha Swimvitational will be broadcast LIVE on Swimnetwork.com. Additional footage from the preliminary races will be available on-demand at Swimnetwork.com.

Additional swimmers competing in the Mutual of Omaha Swimvitational include 2004 Olympians Michael Phelps (Baltimore, Md.), Katie Hoff (Towson, Md.), Gary Hall Jr. (Phoenix, Ariz.), Kaitlin Sandeno (Lake Forest, Calif.), Erik Vendt (North Easton, Mass.), Amanda Beard (Irvine, Calif.) and Neil Walker (Verona, Wis.). 2007 World Championships team members Megan Jendrick (Puyallup, Wash) Scott Usher (Grand Island, Neb.), Kim Vandenberg (Moraga, Calif.), and Eric Shanteau (Lilburn, Ga.) will also swim in Omaha.