Cal’s Murphy Second in 100 Back at U.S. Nationals

IRVINE, CALIF. – Cal’s Ryan Murphy won his second silver medal of the 2014 Phillips 66 National Championships Saturday night, placing second only to 2012 Olympic champion Matt Grevers, who out-touched the Golden Bear sophomore, 52.75 to 53.91, in the 100-meter back.

Earlier in the national championships, Murphy was second in the 200-meter back, losing to 2012 London Olympic gold medalist Tyler Clary 1:54.73 to 1:55.99.

As a freshman for coach David Durden in 2013-14, Murphy was the Pac-12 Newcomer of the Year and was the 2014 NCAA champion in the 100 and 200-yard backstroke, helping Cal to its third NCAA team title in the last four years.

Cal was also represented by junior Jacob Pebley in the finals of the 100 back. Pebley placed fifth with a time of 53.90, topping Olympic legend Michael Phelps, who was sixth with a mark of 53.95.

The Bears’ men’s swimmers have been highly successful at the 2014 national championships. Former Cal swimming star Tom Shields has won both the 100 and 200 fly, and Nathan Adrian won the 100 free. Adrian, Shields, Murphy and junior Josh Prenot – who all continue to train at Cal’s Spieker Aquatics Complex under Durden – have now all qualified for the Pan Pacific Championships, Aug. 21-24, in Gold Coast, Australia. Prenot has placed third in the 400 IM and the 200 breast.

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