SPOKANE, Wash. -- Whitworth University opens its 2009-10 swimming schedule this weekend when the Pirates compete at a pair of tradition opening meets to the Northwest Conference schedule. On Friday the team will race at the NWC Sprint Pentathlon, then on Saturday at the NWC Relays.
The Pirate men head into the season with a chance to win their eighth straight Northwest Conference title. Leading the way will be 2009 NWC Co-Men’s Outstanding Swimmer Michael Woodward (Jr., Springfield, Ore.) and NCAA Division III All-American Rory Buck (So., Dubai, U.A.E.). Woodward won three freestyle events at the 2009 NWC Championships, all in meet record time. Buck finished 12th at the NCAA Division III Championships in the 200-yard breaststroke last year, setting a new NWC record in the process. Three seniors will provide plenty of scoring power as well for the Whitworth men. Quinton Darling (Honolulu, Hawaii) was the conference runner up in the 400 I.M. last winter, Kris Asleson (Albany, Ore.) was an NWC championship finalist in three events, and Daniel Bergman (Lynden, Wash.) will score highly in both breaststroke events. A couple of newcomers will make an immediate impact as well. Kalen Darling (Jr., Honolulu, Hawaii) has transferred from the University of Hawaii and will be strong in the individual medleys and backstroke events. Nathan Ranno (Fr., Sherwood, Ore.) gives the Pirates another strong sprint freestyle swimmer. “We have 15 talented guys and I think all 15 have a real chance to score at conference,” said head coach Steve Schadt. “Our 400 and 800 freestyle relays will be very fast again, and I think we have several guys who could score highly in the breaststroke events.” The Pirate women finished second in the NWC last season after one of the closest meets in conference history, losing to Puget Sound by only 12 points. Whitworth hopes to get back to the top of the standings, a position the team earned in 2008.
Natalie Turner (Sr., South Lake Tahoe, Calif.) can finish her career as the most decorated swimmer in Northwest Conference history. She has never lost a race in conference competition and holds the league records for the 200, 500, and 1,650-yard freestyles. Ashley Lecoq (Jr., Renton, Wash.) is a multiple-time NWC champion and NCAA qualifier in the butterfly events. Christine DeHaven (Jr., Gig Harbor, Wash.) would probably be considered the best distance freestyle swimmer in the conference, were it not for her teammate Turner. Jennifer Benson (So., Phoenix, Ariz.) will be a threat to win in both backstroke events. Rachel Longton (Sr., Seattle, Wash.) returns to the team after two years away in the nursing program and will provide needed points in the butterfly events. Some new swimmers will also score valuable points this season. Danielle Douvikas (Fr., Danville, Calif.) will give the Pirates one more outstanding middle distance and distance freestyler and comes from a very strong club program in California (San Ramon Valley Livermore Aquatics). Abby Pavelko (Fr., Wixom, Mich.) will be an immediate threat to score highly in the 400 I.M. this season. Devon Tursick (Jr., Santa Barbara, Calif.) is a transfer from California Lutheran University who has been away from swimming for a couple of seasons, but will be a strong butterfly swimmer. “We will be very strong again in the 200 and 500 freestyles,” said Schadt. “Last year we were just a body or two short at the end. With 22 swimmers we have a little more room for error this year.” At the NWC Sprint Pentathlon on Friday, every swimmer will compete in 50-yards of each stroke, along with the 100-yard I.M. for a cumulative final time. The NWC Relays will allow teams to compete in relay events of each stroke, at several distances. The 2009 dual meet season will get underway on Friday, Nov. 6 at home when the Pirates host Pacific University (Ore.). Go to Athletics Home Page > Swimming > Sports Releases > |
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