Sea Gulls look to make a big splash in 2009-10
SALISBURY, Md. - The Salisbury University men's and women's swim teams are looking to have a big 2009-2010 season as they welcome an abundance of new freshman and transfer talent, as well as seasoned veterans, to the squad. The Sea Gulls will work off of both the academic and athletic momentum created last season, as 17 members earned a spot on the CAC (Capital Athletic Conference) All-Academic Team. In the pool, the maroon and gold had eight swimmers named to the All-CAC Swim Team, and this year looks just as promising.
Head coach Jill Stephenson, who enters her 15th year of coaching this season, sees the incoming talent as a great asset to the Sea Gulls. "This is probably the best freshman class we've ever had, so we're very excited," she said.
MEN'S TEAM
Having lost four seniors to graduation this year, the men's side looks to new faces to solidify its reputation in the CAC, but will also rely on the experience of several returners. The Gulls will look to seniors Mike Ferrari (Columbia, Md.), Sean Snee (Monkton, Md.) and Kevin Lonergan (Milford, Del.) for leadership. In terms of new faces, the Sea Gulls will rely on freshmen John Reddick (Crownsville, Md.), Frank Reidler (Frederick, Md.), Eric Robichaud (Annapolis, Md.), Kyle Haufler (Westminster, Md.) and Paul Zoli (Fallston, Md.).
WOMEN'S TEAM
The women's side will also rely on new team members to improve upon the Sea Gulls' performance last year, but pure talent isn't the only thing the new ladies will be bringing to the table. "They're good people, and they fit in well with the team atmosphere," said Stephenson of freshmen Sarah Ault (Ellicott City, Md.), Christine Cook (Rockville, Md.), Meghan Donovan (Bowie, Md.), Staci Carbone (Toms River, N.J.), Mandi Waldron (Howell, N.J.), Sara Jacoby (Catonsville, Md.) and Caitlin Givens (Clifton, Va.). Junior Karen Hessler (Silver Spring, Md.), the only transfer for the women's team, also shows great promise as a versatile swimmer specializing in three events.
The senior class is strong on the women's side, as the Gulls welcome five senior veterans back into the pool; Lindsey Southworth (Westminster, Md.), Laura Dignan (Middletown, Del.), Jessica Krauss (Clarksville, Md.), Maureen Gillespie (New Market, Md.) and Angie Hammond (York, Pa.) hope to finish out their tenure as Sea Gull swimmers on a high note. "They're all great team members," said Stephenson. "They know the ropes; they know what to expect. I'm looking forward to their leadership."
SCHEDULE
Salisbury's schedule will be tougher this year in terms of "home-pool" advantage, as the Sea Gulls will only be hosting two meets compared to last year's four. The maroon and gold will compete in five CAC meets, as well as one invitational, before heading to St. Mary's City, Md. for the three-day CAC Championships. The maroon and gold look to de-throne the reigning CAC champs, Mary Washington, when they face the Eagles on Oct. 31.
SUMMARY
Both the men's and women's teams hope to capitalize on new talent this year, but the increased variety of events is equally as important as the new swimmers themselves. "Versatility is our biggest strength," said Stephenson. "We have a lot of depth, and we can cover all events." Along with expanding their roster, the Sea Gulls welcome new assistant coach Jason Mohring, whose experience as a swimmer at the Indiana University of Pennsylvania will certainly help Salisbury reach its full potential this season.
