NCAA Gold for CSI Swimmer
Buyanov sets record in 100 breaststroke, wins school's first national title 

Staten Island Advance - Saturday, March 22, 2008

Pavel Buyanov made history for the College of Staten Island last night at Miami University, winning the NCAA Division III men's 100-yard breaststroke to give the school its first national championship in any sport.

The freshman from Novosibirsk, Siberia won the race in 54.49 seconds, lowering the NCAA record of 54.69 set in 1999.

Buyanov edged Nelson Westby of St. Olaf College in Minnesota, who was second in 54.50. Westby was the leading qualifier, finishing his heat in 54.91. Buyanov, who is attending CSI on an F-1 student visa, was the No. 2 qualifier in 54.99.

"It was an intense first round," said veteran CSI coach Oleg Soloviev. "Pavel raced very well, and we knew racing next to Westby in the final was really going to push him in the evening heat."

In the final, the swimmers were neck-and-neck throughout. Westby took a two-tenths of a second lead after the turn, but Buyanov had plenty in the tank.

"I was prepared to win, but this was a tough race," he said. "The competition was incredible."

Swimming the second leg two-tenths of a second faster than the first, Buyanov just edged Westby at the touch to win the race.

"I didn't see him touch the wall," said Buyanov. "But when I looked over at the table and saw my name in first place, I couldn't believe it. I was so happy."

Soloviev could not be happier with his star pupil's performance.

"This is something we have all dreamt about, it's almost hard to believe," Soloviev said. "Westby is a two-time national champion and Pavel did a tremendous job. He has trained so hard. We gave him the tools and he ran with it. It's a tremendous achievement."

The national championship for CSI is the first in any sport since the institution became a member of NCAA Division III in 1976.

Fellow CSI freshman Nikolay Shevchenko is also participating here, and will race in the 200-yard butterfly event today.

Buyanov races again today in the 200 breaststroke. He is seeded third for the prelims behind Westby and Tyler Bonewell from Williams College. Bonewell finished eighth in the 100 last night.

"I'm just going to try and do my best," Buyanov said. "I think it will be hard, but I have a chance."

For now anyway, Buyanov, who is celebrating his first year in the United States, is on cloud nine.

"As far as I am concerned, I am living in the best country in the world, I go to the best school, and I have the greatest coach," he said. "It's been a dream come true and I am looking forward to my future more than ever."   

Reprinted here with permission from the