Splashcats win top club sport award

The UA synchronized swim team was honored with the 2004 Outstanding Club Sports Program after a second consecutive top-two finish in the Pac 10.

"With all the amazing clubs on campus, I was hesitant to even hope we would win," head coach Jill Ranucci said.

Arizona struggled against injury for the duration of the season, swimming with six women rather than the traditional eight-swimmer squad fielded by other teams.

Despite the lack in numbers, UA finished ninth nationally, and second in the Pacific 10 Conference. The ninth-place finish was second amongst all club programs.

Lacking in swimmers did however prevent the team from making the trip to Palo Alto, Calif. this past weekend for the Senior National competition.

The silver lining to this cloud was found when the team was present to personally accept the Outstanding Club Sports Program Award.

Being able to accept the award made up for missing Senior Nationals, and was a "special" honor for the program, Ranucci said.

"The young women of the Splashcats support younger synchronized swimmers throughout the state, providing their services in clinics and encouraging swimmers to attend the University of Arizona," NCAA synchronized swim Officials Chair Jeanne Struck said.

The Splashcats held above an overall 3.0 GPA, the highest of any athletic program on campus, club or NCAA sanctioned, Ranucci said.