Rogic Leads Final Day of NICs

CLEVELAND, Ohio – Sophomore Kris Rogic placed seventh and swam the third-fastest time in CSUB history in the 200-yard backstroke to lead the CSU Bakersfield men's swimming and diving team on the final day of the National Invitation Championships.

Rogic qualified in sixth in his final individual event of the meet and swam the third-fastest time in school history in the process (1:45.98). In the finals, Rogic finished the race in 1:46.20 to place seventh.

"Kris swam his best time in the 200 back," said CSUB Director of Swimming Chris Hansen. "He had an amazing year. He is the only swimmer that scored not only in all three A finals at the WAC Championships two weeks ago, but repeated that same story here at the NIC. Six A finals and eight best times this year is a great accomplishment. We are very proud of him."

The sophomore also led off the 400 freestyle relay that finished eighth and tied the fourth-best time in school history in the process (2:58.90). He led off the relay with a 44.90 and teamed with Noah Hickman, Loren Gillilan and Michael Hart.

"Kris, Michael, Loren and Noah swam a great 400 free relay to finish eighth tonight," said Hansen.

The Roadrunners added eight more points to their team total in the 200 breaststroke. Senior Greg Lee finished in 15^th (2:01.76), while classmate Jake Chir took 19^th (2:02.82).

Sophomore Loren Gillilan capped an amazing weekend, that saw him set two meet records and win two titles, with a 13^th-place showing in the 200 fly (1:47.25). Senior Justice Kramer finished 20^th in the event in 1:52.35.

"Loren Gillilan really grew into his own this year," said Hansen. "The 200 fly today was great. This is a very new event for him. The NIC is only the third time he swam it since being at CSUB. This kid had a spectacular season and rewrote CSUB's and the NIC's record books. Seniors, Jake, Justice and Greg all had great swims tonight. These three men will be greatly missed. They have guided this team with class and dignity."

In the prelims of the 100 free, Noah Hickman placed 23^rd (45.52) and Michael Hart took 34^th (46.09).

As a team, the Roadrunners finished 11^th out of 25 teams with 310.5 points.

"This meet has been great for the men," said Hansen. "I am super proud of all of them."

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Players Mentioned

Jake Chir: Breast/Free; 6' 0"; Senior

Loren Gillilan: Sprints/Fly; 5' 11"; Sophomore

Michael Hart: Breast/Free; 5' 10"; Junior

Noah Hickman: Sprints/Breasts; 5' 9"; Sophomore

Justice Kramer: IM; 5' 11"; Senior

Greg Lee: Breaststroke/IM; 5' 10"; Senior

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

Players Mentioned

Jake Chir
: 6' 0"; Senior
: Breast/Free

Loren Gillilan
: 5' 11"; Sophomore
: Sprints/Fly

Michael Hart
: 5' 10"; Junior
: Breast/Free

Noah Hickman
: 5' 9"; Sophomore
: Sprints/Breasts

Justice Kramer
: 5' 11"; Senior
: IM

Greg Lee
: 5' 10"; Senior
: Breaststroke/IM

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