Fiala, Owen named All-Americans on day two of NCAAs

Fiala breaks ACC record in the prelims, Owen reaches the podium for the first time

March 24, 2017

INDIANAPOLIS - Seniors Brandon Fiala and Robert Owen both earned All-America honors for the Virginia Tech men’s swimmers on Friday at the NCAA Championships. Fiala reached the podium in the 100 breast for the second time in his decorated career while Owen finished in the top eight for the first time.

Owen, a member of the USA Swimming National Team who finished sixth overall in the 200 back at the U.S. Olympic Trials this past summer, finally got over the hump after claiming honorable mention honors in the 400 IM the last two years.

"We are so happy for Robert Owen. This was one accolade that eluded him and now he is finally an All-American,” head coach Ned Skinner said. “Brandon is the fastest ever sprint breaststroker in our conference and we are proud of these men. Both of them and the other H₂Okies have a great chance to finish this season on a high note tomorrow.”

Fiala’s prelim time of 51.30 in the 100 breast set a new ACC record and was the eighth fastest time in the history of the event. He went on to place sixth overall in the finals with a time of 51.66.

Owen earned a top eight spot after swimming a 3:38.97 in the prelims of the 400 IM. His time of 3:41.21 in the finals earned him an eighth place finish.

In the 200 medley relay, Tech finished just outside the top 16 with a prelims time of 1:25.38. The time was bolstered by sophomore Ian Ho who turned in an impressive split of 18.97, the fastest in program history, in the final leg.

The H₂Okies return to action tomorrow for the final day of the national meet. Owen will open up the day as the 10 seed in the 200 back prelims.

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