GRINNELL’S MICHAEL BRUS SET FOR NCAA D-III NATIONAL SWIMMING AND DIVING CHAMPIONSHIPS

Grinnell College Athletics

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – After a successful run at last year’s NCAA Division III National Swimming and Diving Championships, Grinnell College’s Michael Brus ’14 is set for another strong effort in 2012.

Brus (Davenport, Iowa/North) joins some of the top swimmers in the nation for the meet, which runs Wednesday through Saturday at the IU Natatorium in Indianapolis, Ind.

Brus was an All-American in the 200-yard backstroke last year and returns in that event, where he’s seeded second with a time of 1:47.17. He’ll also compete in the 200 freestyle, where he’s seeded fifth in 1:39.01, and the 100 backstroke. He’s seeded 13th in that event in 50.20.

The 200 freestyle is slated for Thursday, the 100 backstroke Friday and the 200 backstroke Saturday.

Grinnell coach Erin Hurley said Brus is reaping the rewards of hard work and a great attitude.

“Michael is a unique athlete,” she said. “It is a privilege to be able to coach him. This is the third week we have been commuting for practices (Marshalltown, Iowa City and Brooklyn, all necessary due to repairs at Grinnell’s pool) and he has never complained or made excuses. It is obvious he truly loves to swim… and swim fast.”

Hurley said Brus is primed for a strong performance. “This is his second taper of the season (initially tapering for the Midwest Conference meet to make his national cuts),” she explained. “He responded well last season by finishing fourth in the 200 back. He also swam the 100 back last season, but the 200 freestyle is new to his national lineup (he was in the 200 individual medley last year).”

Hurley noted that the day after nationals, Brus will swim in a time trial event in an attempt to meet the Olympic Trials cutoff time in the 200-meter backstroke. “He will have to drop time to make it, but with Michael anything is possible,” she said.