Hurricanes Swimming & Diving Jumps into 2008-09 Season
Oct. 3, 2008
Coral Gables, Fla. – Meet Notes in PDF Format 
| FGCU & FSU Program in PDF Format
The University of Miami swimming and diving team opens the 2008-09 campaign on Saturday, Oct. 4 hosting in-state opponents Florida Gulf Coast and Florida State at the Norman Whitten Student Union Pool at 10 a.m.
Miami welcomes back 11 letterwinners from the 2007-08 campaign, and the diving team returns two NCAA champions, Reuben Ross and Brittany Viola. The swimming team welcomes 10 newcomers this season, the first true recruiting class for third-year head coach Christie Shefchunas. Not only did she add swimmers, but she added two new coaches, Tricia Harm (assistant) and Hollie Bonewit-Cron (volunteer assistant).
The `Canes enter their first meet down a few swimmers as injury and illness has taken its toll early-on in the season. The absence of some key athletes presents a challenge, but it’s one that Shefchunas knows she and the team can soon overcome.
“We’re down a few swimmers, but overall I think we’re okay and we’re excited about just starting the season,” stated swimming head coach Christie Shefchunas. “These are two good teams to begin the year with and see just where we rank early-on.”
With a talented recruiting class and a key group of returnees, Shefchunas, along with veteran head diving coach Randy Ableman, expect a stellar year in 2008-09. With the addition of freshman swimmer Roxanne Meyer (Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa) and highly-touted freshman diver Kelci Bryant (Chatham, Ill.), the Hurricanes are looking for a solid performance.
“The team has been working so hard, and they’re so strong out there that I’m eager about seeing them perform this weekend,” added Shefchunas. “They have really formed a strong bond with each other in and out of the water. And for any team, that’s the first step in forming a strong team–chemistry. This team is close, and Randy [Ableman] and I are excited to see where it leads.”
Admission for this event is absolutely free with meet information/rosters available when entering the pool area.
Hurricane Warning…
The University of Miami Hurricanes are beginning their 2008-09 season this weekend when they host Florida Gulf Coast and Florida State … Hurricanes beat FGCU twice last season, including the season-opening tri-match with FGCU and Florida International … UM has lost their last six outings against the Seminoles of FSU, including a 200-83 setback last year in Tallahassee … Shefchunas, in her third year as head swimming coach, has recruited some great talent, and is excited about the coming year … Head diving coach Randy Ableman, with 2008-09 marking his illustrious 20th year as a Hurricane, produced two more national champions last season in Brittany Viola and Reuben Ross.
Season-Opener Exciting for All…
The season-opener, so highly-anticipated by both head coach Christie Shefchunas and Randy Ableman, expects to be a great year. With so many highly-recruited newcomers coming into the swimming program, added some key returners from last year, this season is expected to be a good one. Newcomer Kelci Bryant (diving) is one of the most highly-touted recruits in recent diving history for UM.
About Florida Gulf Coast…
Florida Gulf Coast started their season off right last weekend with a win over Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton. The Eagles, however, did fall to Georgia Tech in the second part of the tri-meet. FGCU was led on the day by freshman Rosy Murray and junior Margie Chamberlin.
About Florida State…
The Seminoles of Florida State ended their season last year with a No. 22 ranking in the final CSCAA polls. They are starting off their season in Coral Gables after finishing up the Garnet and Gold inter-squad scrimmage last weekend in Tallahassee.
Last Time vs. Florida State…
This weekend’s meet is the 33rd recorded time in UM history that FSU and Miami will meet, with FSU holding a slight 19-14 advantage, including men’s swimming. FSU leads the women’s series, 7-2. The `Noles collected a 200-81 victory over the Hurricanes in the state’s Capital City. Miami’s Britta Boesing did capture a winning time of 4:28.85 in the 400 IM, but it wasn’t enough as FSU collected yet another win against the Hurricanes.
Last Time vs. Florida Gulf Coast…
The Hurricanes defeated FGCU and local foe FIU to start the year last season in Coral Gables. UM took a 156-84 advantage over the Eagles while the 200 medley relay team collected a win.
Olympic Sighting…
The 2008 Summer Olympic Games in Beijing, China saw a host of student-athletes from Miami take to the waters and represent a total of three nations. Head diving coach Randy Ableman served as head coach of the South African national team where Jenna Dreyer competed for the RSA in diving; Reuben Ross was also coached by Ableman as he dove for Canada; and freshman Kelci Bryant dove for the United States.
