Saint Mary's looks to top 2001 MIAA Swimming and Diving
By JANEL MILLER
Sports Writer
They're young, but they're not weak. Individually, they are a threat. Together they are dangerous. The battleground: the 2001 MIAA Swimming and Diving Championships. The victims: anyone who stands in their way.
Saint Mary's swimming and diving team will depart today for the long awaited conference meet in Hope, Mich.
"This meet is what we have been working towards all season long. This is it," said senior distance swimmer and co-captain, Olivia Smith.
The Belles are in very good contention for fourth place, according to Gretchen Hildebrandt, head coach. Coming off a tough regular season, the Belles are ready to face the teams which beat them by small margins again. Both Alma and Albion were very close meets for the Belles, losing by one point and 12 points, respectively.
Both swimmers and coach feel they can come home to South Bend with a fourth place finish. Last year the Belles tied with Alma for fifth. As it looks right now, Hildebrandt is confident in their position. The swimmers are as well.
"Coach gave us each our psych sheets and we are in good standings. We've highlighted the Alma and Albion swimmers next to us and we're focusing on them," said Smith.
The weekend kicks off Thursday morning with preliminary swims.
Smith, Megan Ramsey, and Candace Polisky will lead the Belles as the first individual racers in the 500-yard freestyle. Hildebrandt is looking to this group to set the pace. Smith, who has been battling serious shoulder problems this season, will enter this race with nothing to lose and everything to gain.
"She's been very tough this season. Her times haven't been reflecting her hard work and attitude. This is her chance to finally let everything go and just swim," said Hildebrandt.
Smith and Polisky will also have a grab at the 1650-yard freestyle on Saturday. Hildebrandt sees both women doing very well.
"They've dropped times drastically in practice. I'm really excited for this event to finally happen," she said
Ramsey, the freshman powerhouse who has single handedly rewritten the record books, will focus more on her 200-yard butterfly on Friday and 100-yard butterfly on Saturday. Within a second of qualifying for NCAA Nationals in both events, Ramsey is staying focused on swimming as she's done for many years.
Friday will also feature the 50-yard freestyle and the powerful combination of senior co-captain Colleen Sullivan and freshman Maureen Palchak. Both, according to Hildebrandt have the school record within reach. The record was set by Sullivan at last year's conference meet. They pair will also battle it out in the 200-yard freestyle along with Elizabeth Doro, who hasn't swam the event since high school.
The breaststrokers and backstrokers have excellent positions, according to Hildebrandt. Both Lauren Smith and Katy Lebiedz are seeded very high in the 100-yard breast. Smith also has great standings in the 200-yard event. All three Belles in the 100-yard backstroke have very high chances at making the top 12 on Saturday.
Thursday will also highlight the Belles 400-yard free relay and 1-meter diving. Diver Ryann Cox is up against tough competition but recent performances show she has done well thus far.
"The diving in this conference is very high caliber and they are powerful but Ryann performs very well when up against pressure," said Hildebrandt.
Hildebrandt sees everyone swimming well, dropping times, and outswimming Alma and Albion.
All Sports Stories for Thursday, February 15, 2001
