HAWKE'S BAY, New Zealand – Penn State rising sophomore swimmer Cooper Morley had a strong run at the 2023 Apollo Projects New Zealand Short Course Swimming Championships last week, August 8-12. The championships were held at the Hawke's Bay Regional Aquatic Centre.
Full results for the championships can be found here.
Morley recorded multiple medal-earning performances in individual events.
The Auckland native claimed the silver medal in the 50 Backstroke, posting a time of 24.10.
In the 100 Backstroke, Morley notched a 52.10 to place third, picking up the bronze medal.
Morley tallied a 1:59.35 in the 200 Backstroke to place fourth in the event. He added sixth-place finishes in the 50 Butterfly (24.01) and 100 Freestyle (50.00). He also placed 13th in the 50 Freestyle with a 23.19.
Competing with the North Shore Swimming Club, Morley helped his squad to three top-three finishes in relay events.
Morley guided the 400 Freestyle Relay team to a second-place finish with a time of 3:20.64. Morley posted a 52.15 split.
In the 400 Medley Relay, Morley helped North Shore to finish second, recording a 3:37.20. He led off the relay with a 53.31 split.
Morley's relay team collected third-place in the 200 Freestyle Relay. The squad earned a 1:31.41 with Morley contributing a 22.20 to finish out the relay.
Morley guided his 400 Mixed Medley Relay team to a second-place finish with a 3:55.18. Morley started the race with a 53.56 split.
In his first year in Happy Valley, Morley posted the fourth-fastest 100 Backstroke time (45.89) in program history.
He placed fifth in the 100 Backstroke at the Big Ten Championships with a time of 46.04. He also competed in the 50 Freestyle and 200 Backstroke at the Big Ten Championships.
He was named Big Ten Freshman of the Week after winning the 100 Backstroke event against Virginia Tech on January 21.
For updates on Penn State swimming and diving, follow the team on Instagram (@pennstateswimdive), Twitter (@PennStateSwim) and Facebook (Penn State Swimming & Diving).
