Minnesota sophomore Alex Massura was named Big Ten Swimmer of the Week for his efforts at the Big Ten All Stars vs. the USA National Team last weekend.
Massura, a native of Sao Paulo, Brazil, took first in the 100 backstroke, swam the opening leg of the 400 medley relay team that took first place and finished fourth in the 200 backstroke.
“Anytime you trounce an American record, you have to be proud.” Coach Dennis Dale said. “He also swam exceptionally well in North Carolina last week. He’s been great.”
The men’s swimming and diving team will host the Minnesota Invitational this weekend at 11 a.m. in the Aquatic Center.
Dayne off the hook
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin offensive lineman Pat Daley told police that tailback Ron Dayne punched him in a locker room scuffle but he will not press charges.
Daley underwent surgery last week at University Hospital for a broken bone around his left eye, athletic department chief administrative officer Al Fish said.
Daley claimed Dayne punched him twice Nov. 5.
According to a statement given to police by safety Leonard Taylor, Daley threw one of Dayne’s shoes into a garbage can where players spit chewing tobacco. Dayne then threw one of Daley’s shoes in a whirlpool.
The horseplay escalated into a scuffle when Daley insisted Dayne buy him new shoes, according to Taylor.
Witnesses said Daley pushed Dayne, then Dayne punched Daley. Offensive tackle Aaron Gibson tried to break up the fight.
Gibson told police he was keeping Daley away from Dayne by holding Daley’s arms by his sides.
“Ron came at me again and punch(ed) me with an open palm a second time, on the left side of my head,” Daley said in his police statement.
Coach Barry Alvarez has put the two players on team probation. It will not affect their playing status for the Penn State game Saturday.
Daley was in uniform for the Nov. 7 game against Minnesota but did not play. He did not dress for last Saturday’s game against Michigan.
The incident, coupled with the Nov. 7 arrest of quarterback Mike Samuel for battery, are not part of a pattern, Fish said.
“We’ve got 110 young men on the football team,” he said. “These things come in spurts.”