COLLEGE PARK, MD. – The William Paterson men's swimming and diving team finished eighth out of nine teams, tallying 84 points on the opening day of the NJAC championships on Feb. 15.
 
TOP PERFORMERS:

• In the 800 free relay relay, the WP quartet of freshman Justin Melli (Erma, N.J./Lower Cape May Regional), senior Brandon Arias (North Haledon, N.J./Passaic County Tech), sophomore Nicky Byrd (Purchase, N.Y./Harrison) and junior Shane Apito (Lake Hiawatha, N.J./Parsippany) clocked in a time of 1:49.36 for eighth place.
• The Pioneers finished ninth in the 200 medley relay with efforts by Byrd, senior Andrew Colligan (Andover, N.J./Sussex County Tech), Apito and freshman Max Russell (Wharton, N.J./Jefferson Twp.), posting a time of 1:48.64.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS:

• The Pioneers secured season-best times in the 800 free (1:49.36) and 200 free (1:48.64) relays.

UP NEXT:

• William Paterson returns to University of Maryland Natatorium, Friday, Feb. 16, for day two of the inaugural NJAC championship. Session One begins at 9:30 a.m., followed with the evening session beginning at 5:30 p.m.

FOLLOW THE PIONEERS:

• http://www.wpupioneers.com/socialmedia