Marks leads trio of Razorback swimmers

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – University of Arkansas sophomore-to-be Jamie Marks paced a trio of Razorback swimmers in the early rounds of the 2008 U.S. Open in Minneapolis, Minn., this week.

Marks posted a personal record in the long course of the 800 free with an 8:47.05 at the University of Minnesota Aquatic Center.

Marks’ time was good for eighth place and a medal and was a nine second improvement over her previous long course best.

The Beesley’s Point, N.J., native tackled the 400 IM Wednesday morning swimming to a 4:56.58 in the event advancing to the B finals.

Marks improved her time to 4:49.72 in the finals finishing 11th overall.

“Jamie had a phenomenal meet,” said Arkansas head coach Jeff Poppell. “She was eighth in the 800 free and 11th in the 400 IM with lifetime bests by a significant margin in both. Her success at this national championship event should give her a lot of confidence heading into her sophomore season.”

Razorback teammates Leah Pierce and Erin Neumann are also competing this week. Pearce captured 17th place in the 200 breaststroke swimming a 2:35.17. She bettered her time in the finals improving to 2:34.12. Neumann finished with a 2:39.13 good for 34th place in the same event.

Pierce and Neumann return to the pool Friday for the 100 breaststroke event.