Thursday, November 17, 2011

SMU swimming, diving hopes to build this season

By Keotta L. House
Cardinal Staff

The Saint Mary’s University swimming and diving team is looking to build off the success it saw at the MIAC Championships last season.

Senior Neil Heacox and juniors Mark Ross and Robert Doyle are looking to lead the way for the men’s team, while seniors Liz Flynn, Nikki Farmer and Linda Tierney hope to lead the lady Cardinals this season.

With over ten upper classmen returning to the team, the expectations for the team are high. “The upper classmen are people that have been successful and are looking at the twilight of their career, and we want to see them go out with a bang,” said head coach Eric Lindquist.

“I want to improve my personal times,” said junior Mark Ross, who has had two standout seasons with the Cardinals. He is also looking to improve his place within the conference and work toward the national cut times.

Disagreeing with the popular belief that swimming is an individual sport, Ross said that team dynamic is important.

“I think our group of new guys and returners are a hard-working team that will help each other to succeed,” said Ross.

Senior diver Liz Flynn is looking for a grand close to her tenure at SMU.

“I really want to do well my senior year, and I have high hopes to make it to nationals on the three-meter,” said Flynn. “I also want to break all three of my records from last year.”

Diving coach Jeremiah Jackson has big goals for Flynn as well.

“We definitely want to try to get her to nationals; I think if we work hard and change some things we can do it,” said Jackson.

This season won’t be all work and no play for the swimming and diving team. This January, the team will take a training trip to the Bahamas to facilitate team bonding and offer special training.

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