Six compete at USA Nationals

FAYETTEVILLE– Six University of Arkansas swimmers are competing at the 2010 CONOCOPHILLIPS National Championships in Irvin, Calif., Aug. 3-7. The meet features more than 30 Olympians including Olympic gold medalists Michael Phelps, Ryan Lochte, Aaron Peirsol, Natalie Coughlin and Rebecca Soni.Sophomore Chelsea Franklin and junior Alison Templin are representing the Razorbacks in the 800 free and Franklin is also competing in the 400 free. During the 2009-10 season, both swimmers scored four top-five finishes in the 500 free. Franklin earned a first-place finish against North Texas and Templin placed second against Utah.Haley Smith, Dannica Brennan, Katie Whitbeck and Jillienne Schilling are also competing on the national stage, but representing their respective home club. The meet is one of the biggest swimming events of the year and serves as the selection meet for the 2010 Mutual of Omaha Pan Pacific Championships, which will take place in Irvine, August 18-22, and will feature top competitors from Japan, Australia, Canada and more than 20 other countries. Both Nationals and the Pan Pacific Championships will also serve as the selection meets for the 2011 FINA World Championships in Shanghai, China.The field is highly competitive and includes the majority of the 2009-2010 U.S. National Swim Team. The National Championships finals begin at 8 p.m. and prelims begin at 11 a.m. The competition is broadcast by NBC on Aug. 7 and 8. For more information on the 2010 CONOCOPHILLIPS National Championships, visit www.USASwimming.org. Chelsea Franklin (UArk) — 400 Free, 800 FreeAlison Templin (UArk) — 800 FreeHaley Smith (Kansas City Blazers) — 100 back, 200 back, 400 IMDannica Brennan (King Aquatics) — 200 IM, 200 backKatie Whitbeck (Chesapeake Swim Club) — 200 flyJillienne Schilling (CSP Tideriders) — 400 IM