May 7, 2008

AUSTIN, Texas - Two Michigan State swimming alumni captured titles at the U.S. Masters Short Course Championships. Kirk Nelson '92 won the 35-39 age group mile free championship and Ron Orris '94 won the 100 fly title, also in the 35-39 age group. The U.S. Masters event was held in Austin, Texas, on May 4-5.

Nelson, who competed at MSU for two years, won the mile free with a time of 17:16.07. Orris, who holds Michigan State's record in the 100 fly (48.06 in 1994), clocked a time of 50.79 to win his championship.

"Looking at the results from the master's nationals is unbelievable," MSU head swimming coach Matt Gianiodis said. "There were so many former Olympians and I am happy to see the Green and White win a couple of championships. I am hoping that both Kirk and Ron can join many other Spartans at the alumni meet in October and serve as an inspiration to our current student-athletes."

Alec Mull '94 and Mike Orris '98 also competed in the event. Mull is among the school's top all-time butterfly and sprint free swimmers.