Penn State Swimmers Begin Action at 2012 U.S. Open

14 returners to compete.

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Nate Savoy

Aug. 7, 2012

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - The 2012 U.S. Open Swimming Championships began today, with Penn State University boasting 14 swimmers in the competition. The group includes five returning seniors, seven juniors and two sophomores. The U.S. Open will serve as a selection event for the 2013 World University Games

"We look forward to another opportunity to race and get better," said head coach John Hargis. "I have always asked our athletes to take every opportunity as a chance to improve. This week will provide these opportunities, and I hope we take hold of the chances and get better."

Competing for the men's squad are Shane Austin (Kennett Square, Pa.), Chris Cipolla (South River, N.J.), Jeff Gomez (Morristown, N.J.), Matt Salig (Downingtown, Pa.), Nate Savoy (Reading, Pa.) and James Wilson (Nottingham, Pa.). Caitlyn Karr (Reading, Pa.), Merritt Krawczyk (Kingwood, Texas), Amy Lewis (Rudolph, Wis.), Amy Modglin (Fort Myers, Fla,), Mackenzie Powers (Sycamore, Ill.), Claire Singley (Southlake, Texas), Chelsea Weedman (Poway, Calif.) and Paige Whitmire (Lederach, Pa.) represent the women's team. Impressively, all 14 swimmers participated in the Olympic Trials earlier this summer.

Krawczyk had an impressive showing at the Trials, making it to the 200 IM semifinals as the No. 16 seed. The senior posted a time of 2:15.96 to qualify. She is one of six Nittany Lion swimmers that earned first team All-Big Ten recognition this past season and was also part of the Big Ten champion 400 medley relay team back in March.

Below is the full schedule and the Nittany Lions' events. Keep up with the U.S. Open's RESULTS, and visit GoPSUsports.com for continued updates as Penn State looks ahead to the 2012-2013 season.

Day 1- Tuesday, August 7