Noah Brand had one more big swim left in him, turning in a 100 Yard Freestyle time of 45.02 to secure a win at the 2023 Southern Athletic Association Swimming & Diving Championships in Birmingham, Ala., Saturday night.
The senior turned in an NCAA "B" cut time with his 45.02, winning the event by .30 over his nearest competitor. The win was his third of the meet, including one with his teammates in the 200 Yard Medley Relay and an individual win in the 100 Yard Fly with another "B" cut time. Brand also placed second in the 50 Yard Freestyle during the meet and second in the 400 Yard Medley Relay. He also earned a third-place finish with his teammates in the 200 Yard Freestyle Relay.
As a team, the Vikings placed fourth in the championship meet. While Brand finished at the top of the podium,
Ross Valdez would join him in the medals with a third place finish in the 1650 Yard Freestyle, securing his own "B" cut time with a 16:04.79.
Several other Berry swimmers came close to medals on the final day. Junior
Ryan MacKinnon placed fourth in the 200 Yard Breaststroke with a 2:08.64. Berry's 400 Yard Relay team of
Ross Valdez,
Paxton Smathers,
Harrison McNeil, and Brand finished in fourth place with a 3:08 flat, with Brand's anchor leg serving as the fastest among all competitors.
Billy Blood placed fourth in the 200 Yard Backstroke at 1:56.32.Â