Dec. 4, 2003

AUBURN, Ala. - Michigan State swimming and diving launched into the Auburn Invitational Thursday morning with strong performances from both the men's and women's teams in the first day of prelims.

On the women's side, three Spartans placed in the top 10 in the 50 long course meter freestyle event. Freshman Eve Brusie (Grand Haven, Mich.) took sixth (27.19), junior Tammy Jones (Conyers, Ga./Salem) took eighth (27.27), and sophomore Katrina Kniff (Grand Rapids, Mich./East Grand Rapids) grabbed ninth with a time of 27.33.

The Spartan men had a fourth-place finish when freshman Jason Vadney (Taylor Mill, Ky./Scott) timed out in 4:04.69 in the 400 long course meter freestyle.

In the 50 long course meter freestyle, sophomore Nick Harley (Rockford, Mich.) took eleventh place with a time of 24.69 and sophomore Ian Clutten (Capetown, South Africa/Westerford) placed 17th, touching out in 25.49.

The Auburn Invitational continues through Saturday, Dec. 6, with more prelims remaining Friday and Saturday mornings, and finals following both nights.