COLUMBUS, OH – The CSU Bakersfield men's swim team kicked off U.S. Nationals with a 4 x 200 freestyle relay and leadoff man Lovre Soric got the `Runners off to a bang.

Soric, the senior from Croatia, started the relay for the `Runners with his best swim of the season with a mark of 1:39.76.  Senior Joseph Cobarrubias and freshman anchor Ryan Brimer also had season best swim splits for CSUB. 

The `Runners swam a 6:38.49, which was miles ahead of the team's relay at the UNLV Invite.

Roadrunners Director of Swimming and Diving, Chris Hansen said, "This swim was almost four seconds faster than our swim at UNLV.  Freshman Kris Rogic was not on this relay tonight, but he should be a contender to swim on this relay at our Conference meet.  What a great position I am in to be able to pick from six guys when conference starts in February."

CSUB Owen Van Krimpen was the fourth relay participant and the junior swam the second leg of the relay for the `Runners.  Coach Hansen added, "Owen didn't have his best swim today, but he just needs to swim smarter." 

The U.S. Nationals competitions continue tomorrow in Columbus, OH and are broadcast on NBC.  Check your local listing for broadcast times.