Swimming glides past Navy

Both the Men's and Women's swimming teams began the 2001-2002 season by earning several strong victories last week.

The men's team is now 2-1 after an amazing performance against Navy, a top division one team. Sophomore Kyle Robinson explains, "The big thing about the Navy meet was that we've never beaten them before, and that they've always beaten us by the margin we won by, so it was quite a surprise."

Top individual winners included junior Scott Armstrong, who won the 1000 and 500 yard freestyle, and junior Justin Brannock, who won the 200 and 100 yard freestyle. Other individual wins came from sophomore Oliver Buccicone in the 200 yard butterfly and junior David Lofthus in the 200 yard backstroke. Hopkins also took the 400 yard medley relay and the 400 yard freestyle relay.

Senior and team captain Ben Herman comments, "Beating a quality D1 program like that should get us pumped up for the rest of the year!"

Herman went on to add that the team is looking to improve on last years third place finish at NCAA's and that they are off to a great start so far.

The men's team tallied a loss to Maryland (52-118) and a win over Howard (117-31) at a relay meet at Maryland last Friday. Junior Scott Armstrong was victorious in the 500 yard freestyle. Hopkins also placed first in the 450 freestyle cresendo relay with the relay team of juniors Mark Levin, Justin Brannock, Armstrong as well as senior William Freund.

The backstroke relay team of freshman John Balfour, junior David Lofthus, and senior Brett Fisher placed second in their race.

Head Coach George Kennedy comments "Both teams swam really well. We were menally tough and came out ready. Our times are excellent for this stage in our season."

The Hopkins women are now 1-1 after a loss to Maryland and a victory over Howard, both at the relay meet last Friday.

Sophomore Lauren Thompson comments, "We perfromed well against two division one teams on Friday and had a great spirit that could only be conducive to even better meets in the future. Spirits were high and both meets and performances showed how physically and mentally prepared the swim team is to take control of our competitors."

Key wins came in relay races. The backstroke team, composed of sophomore Lauren Thompson, freshman Ashley Shivley and senior Melanie McLenithan won the 300 yard relay.

Individual wins included junior Stephanie Harbeson's second place finish in the 500-yard freestyle and freshman Nontawan Benja-Athon's second place finish in the 400 yard individual medley.

Lauren Thompson explains "Everyone is doing well compared to how hard hard we've been training. Positive attitudes are everywhere you look and I'm sure it will continue to show in our upcoming meets!"

Both women's and men's teams will continue their seasons this on Saturday and Sunday with another big weekend at the Loyola Invitational.