Oct. 8, 2004

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. - Joe Bartoch, a junior on the UNLV men's swimming team, posted a 16th place finish in the 100-meter fly on Thursday night on the opening day of competition at the World Short Course Swimming Championships. The meet, the biggest international competition of the year outside of the Olympics, is being held at Conseco Fieldhouse.

Bartoch, a native of Ontario, Canada, finished the race in 53.70, a new personal best. He will next swim in the 50-meter fly on Saturday. "This is great experience for Joe," said UNLV head swimming coach Jim Reitz. "For him to get the chance to swim against top international competition as there is at this meet, should help him going into this upcoming season."