FIU swimming goes the distance at Orange Bowl Swimming Classic

The FIU swimming team kicked off 2012 with a win at the Orange Bowl Swimming Classic at the Jacob’s Aquatic Center in Key Largo Jan. 3.

Senior Kariann Stevens won the 50-meter freestyle competition with a time of 28.63. Photo: Sam Lewis for FIUSports.com.

The Panthers won top honors in the women’s division, besting George Mason, which took second place, and the University of Vermont, which finished third. The University of Michigan emerged victorious in the men’s division.

“What a great way to start the year, winning the Orange Bowl Classic,” said Randy Horner, the team’s head coach. “We are in full training camp mode in Key Largo and the girls are dead tired. They sucked it up and performed well for the circumstance.”

Nine teams participated in the competition, which is the known as the highlight of the winter collegiate swim training season in the Keys.