FEDERAL WAY, Wash. | University of Alabama freshman Catalin Cosma came up big in his first appearance at the NCAA Championships on Thursday, earning honorable mention All-American honors in the 500 freestyle on the meet's first day at the King County Aquatic Center.

'That was a great first event for a freshman at this meet,' Alabama coach Eric McIlquham said of Cosma's performance. 'He came out ready to go this morning, shaving two second off his best time and getting himself into a position to score. I'm looking forward to another two days of good swimming from him.'

Cosma posted a 4:19.23, good for fifth in the consolation finals and 13th overall. The rookie posted a career-best 4:17.64 in the preliminaries of the 500, which puts him second all-time for the Crimson Tide in that event, less than a second off the school record set by Arne Borgrstrom at 4:16.80 in 1982.

Earlier in the day, diver Aaron Fleshner finished 20th off the 1-meter board with a score of 300.95 points.

Cosma will swim the 200 freestyle today and the mile Saturday. Fleshner will compete off the 3-meter board today and the platform on Saturday.