Season Review: Swimmers finish strong, look forward to next season
SALISBURY, Md. - The women’s swimming team finished its regular season winning three of the final five dual meets, and the men’s team reeled off three wins in its last four duels. The momentum carried over to the Capital Athletic Conference championships where both teams made a strong showing. While national swimming force University of Mary Washington grabbed each title, Salisbury’s men placed a program best third overall and the women finished fifth.

The CAC championships were full of outstanding performances and great moments for the swimmers and coach Jill Stephenson.

“The men’s third place at the championships was definitely a memorable moment,” said Stephenson. “Erin Smith swam a 100 butterfly [in 1:02.75] just a second off Rebecca Mitchell’s [NCAA qualifier and part of nine current school records] time.”

While junior Smith came very close to breaking a school record, seven records did fall at the CAC championships. Senior sprinters Cole Mangum and Mike Fowler set records in the 50 and 100 freestyle, respectively. Mangum swam the 50 free in 22 seconds flat, and Fowler breezed to a 48.93 time. The other individual record was set by sophomore Jamie Overholt in the 200 freestyle with a speedy time of 1:48.32.

Four men’s relay records were set over the championship weekend as well. Junior Ross Spangler and sophomore Brad Buckley were part of three record setting teams along with Mike Fowler and Mangum.

On the women’s side, Stephenson was impressed with a trio of girls that will be returning next season.

“Erin Smith had a great season, Raienne South was okay last year but outstanding this year and freshman Maureen Gillespie was really a big surprise,” said Stephenson.

On the men’s side, Buckley and Overholt made tremendous strides throughout the season. The Sea Gulls and Stephenson are cautiously optimistic that senior standout Mangum will return for another year to finish his eligibility.

Looking forward to the 2007-08 season, Stephenson sees some key losses but several opportunities.

“All three senior women will be a big loss but we are looking for underclassmen and newcomers to step up and fill in,” said Stephenson.

The three seniors Stephenson referred to are Laura Allen, Hilary Yates, and Malori Steinhauer. Allen, who had the flu during the championships, holds five individual school records and has made huge contributions to Salisbury swimming over her career.

Senior Mike Fowler will be a big loss on the men’s side, according to Stephenson.

A strong men’s team this season may be even better next year. The holes left by graduating members should only be minor setbacks. The versatile men’s team will build off of their third place finish at the CAC Championships.

While the women’s team has a few more vacancies after graduation they also have swimmers prepared for next season. Smith and Caitlin McGing will anchor the team that has real potential to move up the ranks of the CAC.