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Athens, Ga. ? Juniors Lauren Bailey and Kate Wheeler opened up the 2006 NCAA Championships by competing in the 500-yard freestyle on Thursday morning in Athens, Ga.
Neither Bailey nor Wheeler qualified for the finals, but each improved from their seeding heading into the meet as Bailey was ranked 29th nationally and finished 26th (4:49.30), while Wheeler moved up from 31st to 29th (4:50.36) in her first career appearance at the national meet.
Bailey’s placing was her highest NCAA Championship finish of her career.
The Husker duo will continue the NCAA Championships on Friday as Bailey will swim in the 400-yard individual medley and Wheeler in the 200-yard freestyle. Preliminary races begin at 11 a.m.