Harvard Swimmer Cops NCAA Backstroke Title

Harvard junior Dave Berkoff captured first place in the 100-yard backstroke at the NCAA Swimming Championships in Austin, Texas this weekend. Berkoff finished the event in 48.20 seconds, beating Jay Mortenson of Stanford by almost half a second.

In the process, Berkoff became the second Harvard student in the past month to earn an NCAA individual title. Jim O'Neill of the fencing team won an individual crown in epee two weeks ago.

"It was a big thrill," Berkoff said. "It hasn't really hit me yet."

Berkoff--one of the Harvard swimming team's mainstays the last three years--swam the first 25 yards under water, emerging to find himself leading by half a length. Berkoff had been working on the under-water technique, a new development in swimming, since his freshman season. But this year he perfected it.

"I've been using it since freshman year," Berkoff said. "I could only do half a length then, now I'm up to a full length. A lot of people think it would take a lot out of you, but it really hasn't hurt me."

The technique requirers strong legs and very little arm movement.

"It gives me a good base for the rest of the race, "Berkoff said.

Mortenson, not Berkoff, was the favorite going into the race. After all, Mortenson came from a powerhouse swimming school in Stanford.

Although the Cardinal captured first place overall in the Championships with 353 points, it was Berkoff who took the gold in the backstroke.

"[Before the race] I knew I had a shot at winning it," Berkoff who said. "But is was kind of a surprise."

"I had a lead after the 50 [yard] turn, and I figured I had a good chance. On the last lap, I went all out. I really wanted it badly."

NCAA 100-Yard Backstroke Results: 1. Dave Berkoff, Harvard, 48.20; 2. Jay Mortenson, Stanford, 48.62; 3. Richard Hughes, Princeton, 49:06; 4. Erik Hansen, Iowa St., 49.40; 5 Andy Gill, Texas, 49:42; 6. Glenn Trammel, Kansas, 49:69; 7. Scot Johnson, Arizona, 49.73.