GREENSBORO, N.C. - Austin College's Sammi Thiele is poised to make history for the 'Roos, as she will become the first member of the program's swim team to compete at the NCAA Division III National Championships on Friday. Thiele earned her spot at the nationals by finishing with the 19th best time in the country in the 100 backstroke.

Thiele, a junior from Keller who also plays for the Austin College women's water polo team and was a key member of the squad that reached the inaugural Division III Final Four a year ago, was crowned the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference champion in the 100 back with a time of 56.22, setting both the conference and program mark in the event. While other 'Roos have earned B-cut times in the past, Thiele is the first to gain an invitation to the national championship meet.

The prelims for the 100 back will take place on Friday morning, with all preliminary races for Friday's events starting at 9:00 a.m. (Central). The 100 backstroke is currently slated as the second event of the day. Finals for the 100 back will also be the second event of the evening, with all finals races taking place on Friday beginning at 5:00 p.m.

Results will be posted as they happen, and you can watch Thiele compete in both prelims and then in then in the evening session.