Women's Swimming Releases (2005) 2005-06 Swimming Outlook - Guilford College

• 2005-06 GUILFORD WOMEN'S SWIMMING OUTLOOK

      Greensboro, NC (9/1/05) -- As Guilford's swimming team embarks upon its second year as an intercollegiate squad, the Quakers hope to build off of last year's inaugural season. Coach Steve Kaczmarek looks to continue to develop the solid foundation established in 2004-05.

      Guilford's first swimming season ended February 18-20 at the Atlantic States and Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) championships in Radford, VA. The Quakers set nine new school records and scored upsets in several tough races. "We came in seventh out of 10 teams in the Atlantic States competition and sixth out of six in the ODAC," Kaczmarek said. "We swam tough but next year we expect to be much improved and score much higher."
 

      The Quakers dive into 2005-06 with all 12 student-athletes from last year's final roster, plus nine first-year swimmers. "Beginning a new program has been exciting and fun. Now our goal is to improve and gain more leadership with each coming year," Kaczmarek said. The newcomers should help the Quakers be more competitive within the ODAC.

      While still establishing success in the pool, Guilford already ranks among the nation's best in the classroom. With a 3.4 team grade point average, the Quakers twice earned All-Academic honors from the College Swim Coaches Association of America, a feat matched only by one other ODAC school.

      Swimmers to watch in 2005-06 include MVP swimmers Elena Soliz and Kate Talbot. They posted Guilford's top times in 14 of the 18 individual or relay events during the 2004-05 season. Adding to the depth of the team will be freshmen Dana Putney, a butterfly specialist, and Lauren Truelove, who excels in freestyle. Both rookies could make immediate impacts based on their high school times.

      Complementing the strong recruiting class, Kaczmarek is also excited about the renovations made to Guilford's aquatic center this past summer.  Guilford's 25-meter swimming pool received a facelift inside and out during July and August of 2005. In addition to converting the pool base from cement to fiberglass, the pool's filtration system was overhauled with new valves, fittings and spray heads. Add in a paint job and the project totaled approximately $85,000.

      The Quakers start preparing for 2005-06 in early September with self strength training and stroke analysis, building the foundation for more strenuous training during the dual meet season. Guilford opens the season with two meets in October, hosting Salem on the 7th and traveling to Catawba on the 29th. "The meets in October will be great tune-ups before we begin our conference schedule." Kaczmarek said. The season culminates with the three-day conference championship meet at the end of February.