KENTWOOD, Mich. — The NAIA 23rd ranked Bethel Pilots Swim and Dive team achieved a commendable sixth-place finish at the Don Kimble Invitational, held at the Kentwood Aquatic Center and hosted by Davenport University. The Pilots showcased their prowess with seven NAIA National Championship qualifying times among four swimmers.
Manel Casado led the charge, securing 14th place in the 500 freestyle 'B' Final with a time of 4:50.37, earning a spot at the NAIA National Championship. Casado's performance in the 'B' Final was a highlight, meeting the NAIA qualifying standard.
Zach Anguish delivered impressive results, hitting two NAIA qualifying times. He finished ninth in the 1650 freestyle with a time of 16:39.23 and secured 16th place in the 400 IM, clocking in at 4:21.57.
Vicenzo di Palo also made significant contributions, achieving NAIA qualifying times in both the 200 breaststroke and the 100 breaststroke. Di Palo finished eighth in the 200 breaststroke with a time of 2:07.29 and set a new school record with a sixth-place finish in the 100 breaststroke at 56.80.
Andrew Williams rounded out the Pilots' notable performances with a 14th place finish in the 50 freestyle, achieving an NAIA qualifying time of 21.82.
The Pilots will next compete against the DePauw Tigers in a dual meet on Saturday, Jan. 11 at 1 p.m. in Greencastle, Ind.
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