May 23, 2002
Bowling Green, Ky. - Western Kentucky University Head Swimming Coach Bill Powell took part in the National Masters Swim Championships in Honolulu, Hawaii, last weekend (May 16-18) and finished in the top four in three events in the 65-69-age group.
Powell, the founder and only head coach in the 33-year history of swimming on the Hill, placed second in the 200 backstroke and took fourth place honors in both the 100 back and the 50 back.
Joining Powell among the 1,100-plus athletes at the meet were three of the veteran coach's former Hilltopper athletes - Mike Gonzales (1986-89), Mike Leggett (1994-97) and Evan Welting (1995-96).
Gonzales won the national championship in the 50 backstroke in the 35-39-age group and was the runner-up in the 100 back.
Leggett and Welting both competed in the 25-29-age group. Leggett was fourth in the 100 freestyle and fifth in both the 500 and 200 free events. Welting took third place honors in the 400 individual medley and was sixth in both the 500 freestyle and the 200 IM.
The event was staged at the Duke Kahanamuku Natatorium on the campus of the University of Hawaii. Participants in the meet ranged in age from 19 to 93.
