UA swimming, diving season kicks off

Brian Wahlund
Arizona Daily Wildcat
November 9, 1998

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The UA swimming and diving teams began their season Friday afternoon by defeating New Mexico at Hillenbrand Aquatic Center. The No. 7 ranked men scored a 158-125 victory while the No. 3 ranked women won 156-116.

In terms of the implications of this meet on the season, head coach Frank Busch said he was surprised at the quality of swimming and further noted he is pleased with this year's crop of swimmers.

"I was surprised to see some of the kids do this well early," he said. "We are very fortunate to have these kids and they turned in some good swims."

Impressive performances on the men's side included junior All-America Matt Allen and junior Rob Henikman. Allen was a two-event winner, winning both the 100-yard backstroke and the 200-yard backstroke, while Henikman notched a win in the 100-yard breast-stroke and two second-place finishes in the 200-yard breaststroke and the 50-yard freestyle.

"Our freshman girls did very well," Busch said.

The women were led by freshmen Emily Mastin, Sarah Tolar and Jessamyn Miller. Mastin scored victories in both the 100-yard breaststroke and the 200-yard individual medley. Tolar won the 500-yard freestyle and Miller swam to a victory in the 200-yard breaststroke.

Brian Wahlund can be reached via e-mail at Brian.Wahlund@wildcat.arizona.edu.