By: John Limbaugh

University of Montevallo’s Will Mahone continued etching his name into the history books at the NCAA Division II National Championships, posting an eighth-place national finish in the 200-yard backstroke.

Mahone set a school record in the preliminaries to secure a spot in the championship race with a time of 1:45.40. He then returned to the pool in the evening session and swam a time of 1:46.2.

With his eighth place finish, Mahone has become the highest national finisher in program history. He did so in two events, finishing 16th in the 100-yard backstroke, Friday, and eighth in the 200, Saturday.

In addition, Mahone’s 200-yard backstroke time netted the Falcons 11 points marking the first time in program history that Montevallo has scored points in the National Championship meet. With the points, UM finishes the season 29th nationally.

Head Coach Aaron Mahaney spoke about Will’s achievement saying it has been a great journey for him.

“Will was one of our first commits to start the team four years ago and now he is our first all-American,” said Mahaney.

With his performance in the 200-yard backstroke Mahone has been named an All-American, the first in program history. The Lilburn, Georgia native’s senior season comes to an end in Indianapolis but not before setting numerous records throughout the year and rewriting the Montevallo swimming history books.