Costella, Barber among tops in nation

More recognition for Costella, Barber

Staff Reports

Lauren Costella and Justin Barber have already moved on to swim with new programs in college, but the recognition continues to keep rolling in from their just concluded season with the Carson Tigersharks.

Costella and Barber, who both graduated from Carson High in June and are now freshmen at Stanford and Notre Dame respectively, were included in the final age group national rankings for 2002-03 released recently by USA Swimming.

Costella's highest ranking was No. 2 in the girls 17-18 age group short course rankings for the 1,650-yard freestyle. Her time of 16 minutes, 12.73 seconds at the Southern California Seniors Qualifying meet in Long Beach on Jan. 17 was second fastest, behind only Adrienne Binder of the Santa Barbara Swim Club (15:42.44).

Binder, now a freshman at No. 1 ranked Auburn University, finished second and Costella third in the women's 1,500-meter freestyle at the World University Games in Korea in August.

Costella's 16:24.43 clocking in the 1,500 freestyle at the World University Games was good for the No. 4 spot in the USA Swimming national long course rankings. Also, she was listed No. 6 in the short course rankings in the 1,000-yard freestyle (9:48.00), No. 10 in the long course 800-meter freestyle (8:43.22) and No. 10 in the 400 individual medley (4:54.24).

Barber finished with a No. 15 ranking in the long course 400 inndividual medley (4:31.98).