It was a record-setting day as New York University began competition at the NCAA Division III Swimming & Diving Championships in Greenboro, NC.

Graduate student Derek Maas won the national title in the 200 IM, recording an NCAA-record time of 1:42.97, finishing nearly three seconds ahead of the second-place finisher, Garrett Clasen of the University of Chicago (1:45.23).

His performance, as well as those of the entire team, have NYU in first place after the first day of competition.

"Derek dominated the field. Absolutely unbelievable," said Head Coach Trevor Miele. "What he's doing this year - balancing med school work with our practice schedule - is remarkable. It's awesome to see his hard work pay off." 

Junior Jaeden-Hans Yburan also clinched All-America honors with his eighth-place finish in the event (1:48.97). Freshman Victor Derani (31st place, 1:50.75) also competed for NYU.  

Maas was also a member of the Violets' 200 yard medley relay squad that placed second in a time of 1:26.72. He and teammates freshman Emmett Ralston, junior Ajay Watanakun and freshman Greg Wehbe broke their own school record set earlier this season.

"The relay was really impressive," Miele added. "They destroyed the team record and all swam amazing legs. Greg anchoring with a 19.3 is nuts."

Junior Connor Vincent also earned All-America honors with his third-place finish in the 500 freestyle (4:24.58).  

"Connor got us off to a great start," Miele explained. "He raced well and came back strong at the end."

A pair of Violets competed in the 50 freestyle, with Watanakan taking 19th place (20.36) and Wehbe finishing 27th (20.50).

Overall, the Violets have accumulated 81 points and lead second-place Williams College by 1.5.  

Action at the NCAA Championships will continue on Thursday morning at 10:00am.