Buyukuncu Sets U.S. Prep Record

LONG BEACH — Woodbridge’s Derya Buyukuncu broke a national high school record in the 100-yard backstroke in the Southern Section Division I boys’ swimming finals Friday at Belmont Plaza Pool.

Buyukuncu, a Turkish-born junior, won the event in 47.84 seconds, breaking the record of 48.93 set by Derek Weatherford of Ft. Myers, Fla., in 1988.

Buyukuncu, who set a Southern Section record Thursday in the event in the preliminary round with a mark of 49.51, was surprised at his time.

“Yeah, I thought I could break the record but I didn’t expect to get a 47,” he said. “When I looked up and saw the clock I was shocked at the time.”

Said Woodbridge Coach Dan Gaines: “I felt he could do it, but I didn’t know he would do it by this much.”