Swimmers boast 'best senior class ever'

Katherine K. Gardiner Arizona Daily Wildcat All-American sophomore Trina Jackson practices her best event, the freestyle, at yesterday's practice. Jackson is the reigning 1,650-meter freestyle national champion and begins her title defense today against New Mexico at the Hillenbrand Aquatic Center.

"They are possibly the best senior class we've ever had," head coach Frank Busch said.

The seniors are Liesl Kolbisen, Shannon Hosack, Heather Branstetter and Laurie Kline.

"We're expecting good things from this group," Hosack said. "The more girls we get to NCAAs, the better chance we'll have at a top-three finish. We're going to get as many as we can qualified as soon as we can."

One of the 21 swimmers returning is the defending 1,650 meter freestyle NCAA Champion, sophomore Trina Jackson. Two other All-Americans with a wealth of national competition are Denali Knapp and Leah Zucker. Andrea Glass leads a young but well-rounded group of divers.

No matter how many returning All-Americans the team has, it won't be one person who makes the difference, at least that is what the coach says.

"If I singled one out, they'd all get mad at me," assistant coach Rick DeMont said.

"We'll be looking especially at the freshmen who'll be swimming for the first time as Wildcats," assistant coach Eric Hanson said.

One particular freshman that should garner attention is Lindsay Farella. The Elk Grove, Ill. native competes on the US National Team and will contribute to Arizona's strongest event - the freestyle sprint.

However, replacing Ashley Tappin, who graduated in the spring won't be easy.

Tappin, as well as Claudia Stanescu, left UA with a legacy behind them. Stanescu was a four-time All-American during her career in Tucson, while Tappin held that honor at 26 different times in various events during her collegiate career.

"Ashley was one of the best ever in Arizona history," Busch said. "It'll be tough to replace her.

"We will also look to some of the underclassmen for support. Bottom line is that our success depends on how well every single swimmer contributes."

If the success of the women isn't motivation enough for the men, last year's disappointing season is. Finishing 16th in March's NCAA championships, Arizona is looking to improve dramatically.

"The men are young, but we have high anticipations and are excited for the season," Busch said. "Like the women, their first big meet will be the Texas Invitational."

That tournament will be held from Dec. 5-7 in Austin and will feature some of the most prominent teams in the country.

"The meet against New Mexico will be a good meet for us to start off with," senior Chris Counts said. "Hopefully, it'll be a good win too."

The men finished third at the Pacific 10 Conference Championships. Fifteen letter winners return, including 1,650 freestyle National Champion and Pac-10 swimmer of the year, Ryk Neethling. Also returning are senior Glenn Flint and sophomores Matt Allen and Rob Henikman, each winning honorable mention All-American honors last term.

Pac-10 diver of the year and honorable mention All-American Jimmy Sjodin leads the divers.

The incoming freshmen class might be the spark Arizona needs to improve on last season. Led by Jay Schryver, a member of the US World University Games team, this season's recruits might be among the best in the country. Ben Anderson and Scott Gaskins are two other freshmen to keep an eye on.

Homecoming '97

UA vs. New Mexico

When: Today at 2 p.m.

Where: Hillenbrand Aquatic Center

What: The first swim meet of the season for the men's and women's swimming and diving teams ... The women finished fourth at last season's NCAA Championship, while the men finished a disappointing 16th.