SALEM, W.Va. – With swimming in just its third year at Salem University head coach Rick Johnson is looking for the swimming teams to build off last season and set the bar even higher for the 208-19 campaign with a couple key returners and a talented incoming class.
Johnson's main goal of the year is to lay the groundwork for the program and be competitive. Salem added some talented and promising freshman that Johnson hopes can make a few finals in the conference meet.
Being in one of the toughest, if not the toughest NCAA Division II swimming conference, the Bluegrass Mountain Conference hosts many talented and strong programs within. Johnson looks to have a few individuals make finals at the end of the season, as only one athlete made the finals in one event last season.
The Tigers will also compete against several local teams including Fairmont State, Davis & Elkins, West Virginia Wesleyan and Alderson Broaddus throughout the year.
"Being from this area, I am excited to have Wesleyan, Davis & Elkins, Alderson Broaddus, and Fairmont State on our schedule this season. I'm glad to host Fairmont State this season as coach Pat Snively has been like a mentor to me," Johnson said.
Women
Salem does not return anyone on the women's side from last year, entering this season with five fresh faces.
The lone upperclassman, senior Marta Gruszczynska, is new to the program but brings maturity and leadership.
"With all of my athletes being freshman it is great to have someone like Marta who's there to add leadership to our young program," added Johnson.
Freshman Danielle Lewis and classmate Katherine Turner are no strangers to Salem, as last season they were on campus as redshirts and are ready to race this season.
Coach Johnson is excited to have freshman Lauren Platz as he explained, "Lauren is a really strong swimmer and works very hard and I am really pleased with where she is in her training right now."
Freshman Chole Smart comes into the season dealing with the injury bug, but once she is back coach Johnson expects her to fit right in and compete.
Men
Salem returns Gabriel Craig, who has had a few minor setbacks due to illness but according to Johnson Craig is an extremely hard worker and is excited to have him back.
The Tigers added three freshmen to the program that includes Austin Kephart, Brady Samuels and Gregory Smith and Johnson believes they are three very talented swimmers.
Kephart looks to add value to the program on the distance side, while Smith looks to be a top-scorer in the breaststroke.
Johnson believes that Samuels is a go-to guy that could be very competitive in any event.
This weekend kicks off the swimming season, as the Tigers head to Huntington, W.Va. to compete in the West Virginia State games that will include all college swimming teams in the state of West Virginia.
"This weekend is about kicking-off college swimming, what I am looking forward to this weekend is to see what we can do individually, see how our training is coming along and get a good solid base to build off of," remarked Johnson.
Austin Kephart
Seminole High
No comments:
Post a Comment