University of North Carolina Athletics

Photo by: Jeffrey A. Camarati
Swimmers Conclude Competition At NC State Invitational
November 20, 2021 | Swimming & Diving
GREENSBORO, N.C. — The North Carolina swimming and diving team claimed 14 top-five finishes, including five medal placements, over the course of the three-day NC State Invitational at the Greensboro Aquatic Center.
Carolina placed fourth out of 10 teams on the women's side, while the Tar Heel men finished sixth in the nine-team competition. Meet host NC State won the women and men's team championships with Stanford and Duke claiming second and third in the women's competition. Arizona State and Stanford rounded out the top three on men's side.
Caroline Cooper (200 IM), Grace Countie (100 Free), Addison Smith (500 Free) and Ellie VanNote (100 Fly) each claimed a bronze medal in their respective individual events during the women's meet.
Countie and Smith joined Amy Dragelin and Sophie Lindner to claim fifth place in the 800-freestyle relay.
Heidi Lowe and Georgia Nel teamed with Countie and Lindner for a fifth-place finish in the 400-freestyle relay as well.
Countie placed fifth in the women's 100 backstroke individually as did Lilly Higgs in the 100 breaststroke.
Noah Rutberg was the lone member of the UNC men's team to reach the podium, placing third in the 200 IM.
Alex Mays (200 IM) and Tucker Burhans (100 Back) each recorded an individual fourth place finish while Jacob Rauch touched fifth in the 100 breaststroke.
Valdas Abaliksta, Boyd Poelke, Tomas Sungaila and Burhans claimed fifth place in the 200-medley relay.
The Tar Heels will return to action Dec. 1-4 at the U.S. Open Championships in Greensboro.
Carolina placed fourth out of 10 teams on the women's side, while the Tar Heel men finished sixth in the nine-team competition. Meet host NC State won the women and men's team championships with Stanford and Duke claiming second and third in the women's competition. Arizona State and Stanford rounded out the top three on men's side.
Caroline Cooper (200 IM), Grace Countie (100 Free), Addison Smith (500 Free) and Ellie VanNote (100 Fly) each claimed a bronze medal in their respective individual events during the women's meet.
Countie and Smith joined Amy Dragelin and Sophie Lindner to claim fifth place in the 800-freestyle relay.
Heidi Lowe and Georgia Nel teamed with Countie and Lindner for a fifth-place finish in the 400-freestyle relay as well.
Countie placed fifth in the women's 100 backstroke individually as did Lilly Higgs in the 100 breaststroke.
Noah Rutberg was the lone member of the UNC men's team to reach the podium, placing third in the 200 IM.
Alex Mays (200 IM) and Tucker Burhans (100 Back) each recorded an individual fourth place finish while Jacob Rauch touched fifth in the 100 breaststroke.
Valdas Abaliksta, Boyd Poelke, Tomas Sungaila and Burhans claimed fifth place in the 200-medley relay.
The Tar Heels will return to action Dec. 1-4 at the U.S. Open Championships in Greensboro.
Players Mentioned
Carolina Insider - Football Signing Day Discussion (Full Segment) - December 5, 2025
Friday, December 05
Carolina Insider - Interview with Jimmy Black (Full Segment) - December 5, 2025
Friday, December 05
WBB: Post-Texas Press Conference - December 4, 2025
Friday, December 05
UNC Volleyball: Tar Heels Best UTEP in NCAA First Round
Friday, December 05

























