Swimming: Peirsol sets SoCal backstroke record

LONG BEACH - The accolades keep piling up for Aaron Peirsol.

The Newport Harbor High sophomore competing for the Irvine Novaquatics,

set a Southern California record in the 100-yard backstroke at the

California State Championship Team Title March 2-5.

Peirsol’s time of 49.90 edged the old mark of 49.93 set by Derya

Buyukuncu of the Novaquatics in 1992.

Peirsol also won the 200 backstroke at 1:46.01 for the Novaquatics.

Peirsol’s teammate, Ryan Lean, took fifth place in the 1,650 freestyle

with a 15:55.0, bettering his time by over 20 seconds.

Aaron’s sister, Hayley Peirsol, was sixth in the 1,650 free at 16:58.30.