By Mike Urena
Staff Writer

Purdue's men's and women's swimming teams' seasons culminated with several strong individual performances.

The men's team finished its season with satisfaction as two swimmers earned a trip to the National Championships toward the end the season.

Junior freestyle swimmer Matt Martin was one of the men who went to Nationals and finished his season earning status as an All—American.

"I was coming off a rough year, this was just my breakout year to achieve my goals, and I was really happy with the outcome," Martin said.

Alongside Martin, senior Dan Kleber received an honorable mention in the butterfly swims. Kleber's presence was an asset to Martin.

"This season went really well," said Martin. "I would have had more competition and motivation if I competed with Kleber in the same events."

Both athletes have helped each other make it to Nationals.

"We just love to go out and compete," said Martin.

The men ended up placing fourth among Big Ten schools and would like to be in the top four next year. Martin also has an individual goal that can't wait until next season.

"I would like to get back in top eight this summer at the Olympic trials in August," said Martin. "I still have goals going into my senior year."

So do members of the women's team, and their goals aren't limited to success in the pool.

The College Swimming Coaches Association of America has named members of the women's team Academic All—American. The team was also recognized for its team GPA of 3.31. The Boilermaker women had the ninth—best GPA among the 51 Division I teams.

The women's team had to endure a rebuilding year in the pool with the loss of three seniors but made huge breakthroughs with a good number of freshmen on the team.

The beginning was frustrating for junior swimmer Brianna Reina, who was injured at the start of the season. A few months after healing, Reina improved on her 200—meter breast stroke time.

"I found myself doing better in the 200, which I never would of imagined," said Reina. "The Big Ten meet was when we increased our performances in the 100 and 200 swims."

The women placed ninth in the 200 freestyle during the swimming finals, while Reina successfully made the Senior Nationals cut, placing first and earning a first—time trip to Seattle.

"I had my lifetime best of 114.0 in the 100 and 239.0 in the 200," Reina said. "We went in and got seeded 82nd, and I didn't expect to make it back squeezing into the finals."

Reina finished seventh in freestyle swims and ninth in the 400 medley.

As a team, every year the women have gotten better and always had good incentive for them to swim faster each time. The team has bonded successfully and hopes to do the same next year.