CSUB Swimming Star Captures Fourth Croatian Title

ZAGREB, Croatia – CSU Bakersfield swimming star Kris Rogic entered four individual events over the weekend at the Croatian National Championships and the sophomore won them all. On Sunday, Rogic completed the sweep with a victory in the 100-meter backstroke in a personal-best time of 56.10.

"This has been a very important meet for Kris and his future," said Director of Swimming Chris Hansen. "I'm psyched I was in Croatia with him. We need to go back to the States and reevaluate our goals. The FINA cut for World Championships is 55.41 to represent Croatia and this is not out of his reach with some more training. There are many people here and at home that are very proud of him."

Hansen and Rogic decided to scratch the 100-meter freestyle today to save up for the backstroke. The strategy paid off as he narrowly beat the second-place finisher by .09 seconds.

"We have a hard time picking what events Kris should swim next season and I think this meet has confirmed to us that he is a backstroker," said Hansen.

Rogic's time of 56.10 is a Phillips 66 National Championship cut time and he is the only CSUB swimmer to achieve the cut this year. He will compete in the National Championships next July in Palo Alto, Calif.

Rogic won the 50-meter backstroke (26.29) yesterday after winning the 200-meter backstroke (2:04.12) on Friday and the 200-meter individual medley (2:05.21) on Thursday. The sophomore also was the lead leg on the third-place 400-meter medley relay.

Rogic earned First Team All-Western Athletic Conference honors as a freshman and already owns the CSUB school record in the 100-yard backstroke (48.13). He was also part of the record-setting 200-yard medley relay team (1:28.88). He has already cracked the top five in CSUB history in the 200-yard backstroke and the 200-yard individual medley.

The sophomore also excels in the classroom, earning Academic All-WAC honors and was named an Honorable Mention Scholar All-American by the College Swimming and Diving Coaches Association of America (CSCAA).

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Players Mentioned

Kris Rogic: IM/Sprint; 6' 1"; Freshman

Players Mentioned

Kris Rogic
: 6' 1"; Freshman
: IM/Sprint