Hurricanes Host FIU in Season Opener
Oct. 14, 2004
Coral Gables, Fla. – The University of Miami swimming and diving team will open up their 2004-05 season against cross-town rival Florida International Saturday at 11:00 am in the Norman Whitten Student Union Pool on the University of Miami campus.
The Hurricanes hope to continue their success against the Golden Panthers in only their second-ever meeting. Last season, the Hurricanes claimed 13 events en route to a 168.00-62.00 win.
Hurricanes Swimming and Diving 2004-05 Season Outlook
Swimming
Second year head coach Mariusz Podkoscielny leads a Miami squad hoping to build on the success of last season while making a mark during their inaugural season in the Atlantic Coast Conference. Miami’s swimming squad returns 13 letterwinners while welcoming 12 newcomers.”This season we’re looking to take a larger group to the NCAA Championships and score at that level,” said Podkoscielny. “If our season goes well we can start looking at a Top 25 finish as well as establish ourselves as a legitimate contender for Top 10 in the nation.”
In a big step up from last season and in order to remain competitive, the Hurricanes have upgraded their schedule tremendously from the 2003-04 campaign. Along with a full ACC slate, Miami is set to compete against eight teams that finished in the top 25 in the nation last season. The Hurricanes can expect an emotional and fiery environment whenever they face their rivals from the state of Florida, not to mention, the existing rivalry with Virginia Tech who also made the move to the ACC from the BIG EAST. “Our meet against Virginia Tech always motivates and moves us,” commented Podkoscielny.
|
The top returner for the Hurricanes is senior Manon van Rooijen, who did not compete during the 2003-04 season in order to train for the 2004 Olympics in Athens, Greece. The 100 and 200 freestyle record holder will compete in both distance and sprint freestyle events. “I have high hopes for Manon,” said Podkoscielny. “She gained experience on the international level and that should help us this year.”
Fellow senior Katalin Ferenzci will join Van Rooijen while holding the school record in the 100 and 200 backstroke. Also contributing for the Hurricanes will be Miami’s only juniors, Adrian Ferguson and Martina Krawczyk. Ferguson will swim butterfly, freestyle and individual medley. Krawczyk returns for her third season after qualifying for the NCAA Championships in the 100 and 200 breaststroke events. Krawczyk set a new 200 breaststroke record during the BIG EAST Championships last season. Ferguson and Krawczyk, along with senior Mary Carriere have been named team captains for the 2004-05 season.
Coach Podkoscielny expects his sophomore class to become leaders in the squad this year, “They will be more confident knowing what it takes to get to the Conference and post season meets.” Big East runner-up Tara Erwin will head up the sophomores with the support staff of Nancy Gajos, Andrea Hughes, Kristen Lunak and Ashley Knapp all four swimmers qualified for the Big East Championship last season.
The Hurricanes’ freshmen class, which is comprised of 12 incoming rookies will be lead by Lauren Shue, Taylor McFarlane and Melinda Hochard. All three swimmers were state champions in their respective events. “I’m confident in our freshmen class,” said Podkoscielny. “They’re already contributing in a big way and will be major players in the dual meet season. They will lead the way.”
“Having almost half the team as freshmen will make it more difficult but they’ll gain a lot of experience,” added Podkoscielny. “We’ll rely a lot on our freshmen. They’re going to have to learn quickly.”
Event Outlook
|
Middle Distance and butterfly looks to be Miami’s strongest events. The middle distance events will be powered by 200 free record holder Manon van Rooijen while butterfly has the luxury of having the most depth with three swimmers who qualified for the BIG EAST Championship.
The distance freestyle group of Tara Erwin, Mary Carriere and sophomore Hallie Turkish should also see some success with the addition of newcomer Lauren Shue, who garnered a state title in the 500 freestyle as a senior in Ft. Myers High School.
Backstroke will continue to be a solid event for the Hurricanes with Katalin Ferenzci at the helm. The sister tandem of Ashley and Lindsay Knapp should also score points for Miami.
Breaststroke will be headed up by Martyna Krawczyk, the Hurricanes’ lone NCAA qualifier and record holder in both the 100 and 200 breaststroke events. Injuries may become a factor throughout the season, however, which puts a question mark on the team’s depth in this event.
Diving
Head coach Randy Ableman returns for his 16th season as the head coach of the Miami diving team with an experienced group of returning divers and a talented newcomer.
|
Leading the way for the men is senior and three-time All-American Miguel Velazquez, who should compete for an NCAA title. “Miguel has unfinished business in the NCAA Championships,” said Ableman. “He should win one of the three events. He’s equally good on all levels.”
Derek Starks returns for his second season as a Hurricane. Last year’s BIG EAST Diver of the Year, is expected to challenge for All-American honors in all diving events.
Sophomore walk-on Toby Brooks competed last season but was plagued with an injury-filled year that sidelined him for the BIG EAST Conference Championships. “If he remains healthy,” commented Ableman “he should be able to contribute.”
On the women’s side, senior Melanie Rinaldi rejoins the diving squad after taking a year off to train for the Olympics. Rinaldi will be out until around Christmas time, however, due to knee surgery. “What Melanie does when she comes back,” noted Ableman “depends on her recovery.”
|
Sophomore Heather Bounds returns for her second season after narrowly missing the NCAA Championship last season. Bounds should contest for the top spot among ACC divers as well as a berth to the NCAA Championships.
Diving’s only newcomer Jenna Dreyer joins the team fresh off the 2004 Olympic games where she competed for her home country, South Africa. “Jenna’s a great talent,” said Ableman. “She could be an All-American this season.”
With an experienced group of returning swimmers and divers, as well as a talented corps of newcomers, Miami’s swimming and diving squad should be primed for success both in the ACC and the NCAA.
Stay tuned to hurricanesports.com for all Miami swimming and diving news, up-to-date results, and team information.
