Marx And Mazzaferro Earn Bronze For The United States At The 2009 World University Games - AuburnTigers.com

Marx And Mazzaferro Earn Bronze For The United States At The 2009 World University Games The duo earned Auburn its 63rd overall medal in the World University Games since the first member of Auburn swimming and diving was invited in 1983.

July 4, 2009

AUBURN - Auburn divers Kelly Marx and Dan Mazzaferro became the first Tigers to medal Saturday at the 2009 World University Games, placing third in the men's 3-meter synchronized springboard finals. Representing the United States, the pair finished competition with a six-dive total of 379.47, trailing only Ukraine (396.09) and China (404.07).

The pair picked up their highest marks in their final attempt, a forward 2.5 somersault, 2 twist pike (5154B), good for 75.48 points. Marx and Mazzaferro averaged 63.25 per dive with a 16.5 degree of difficulty.

Marx and Mazzaferro advanced to Serbia after a series of top finishes at the 2009 Speedo USA Diving Spring Nationals held April 22-26 in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. The duo placed second in the men’s 3-meter synchronized finals while, as individuals, Mazzaferro placed second off the tower and Marx finished fourth off the 3-meter springboard. At the 2007 World University Games, Mazzaferro placed fifth in synchronized platform and 23^rd in platform diving.

The pair earned the Tigers their 63rd overall medal in the World University Games since the first member of Auburn swimming and diving was invited in 1983. Most recently, in 2007, Auburn swimmers took three gold medals on the performances of Kara Denby, Bryan Lundquist and Doug Van Wie. In 2005, former Tigers Demerae Christianson, Hayley Peirsol and Eric Shanteau each claimed gold.

The United States is sent a total of 26 swimmers and 11 divers to Belgrade. The U.S. swimmers at the 2009 World University Games roster were chosen based on their performance at the U.S. Open Championships in Minneapolis, Minn. Divers were chosen by committee following the Speedo Spring Nationals.

All competitors at the World University Games must fall between 17 and 28 years of age, as well as be a student-athlete officially enrolled in a full-time course of study at an approved institute of higher education before entry date, or enrolled full-time through Jan. 1, 2009.

Marx returns to action in Sunday's 3-meter springboard finals while Mazzaferro competes in Monday's platform finals. Fellow Tiger Ava Ohlgren is also set to represent the United States, competing in Sunday's 400 IM finals.