11/18/2008
Swim & Dive Hosts Bridgewater State in Home Opener on Wednesday

WORCESTER, MASS. 11/18/08  The Clark University women's swimming and diving team will step onto the pool deck undefeated in their home opening meet at the Kneller Athletic Center on Wednesday (6 p.m.). Unfortunately, so will their competition.

The Cougars (3-0) will face off against Bridgewater State College, which also enter tonight's meet with an unbeaten 3-0 mark. Last year, Clark lost to the Bears by just two points (149-147).

"Last year's meet came down to the last relay and we were out-touched by .03, said head coach Paul E. Phillips. "We want to defend our home pool while staying focused on our long-term goals for the season."

Clark has only lost to Bridgewater twice (2007 & 2004, 139-155) in the last eight years.

While the women are stocked with veteran talent, including freestylers Britney Wigley and Liz Rosen; backstroke specialist Dana Akerfelds, and butterflier Kayleigh Lagasse, the Cougars will also introduce nine newcomers to the enthusiasm of home opening day.

"Our season goals will only be accomplished with 100% contribution from every person," Phillips said. This is not an exercise in individualism  this needs to be a full team effort every day."

Freshman Erin Smith, who earned the New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) first-ever Swimmer of the Week award after stellar marks in her first two meets, should push to add some points to the board Wednesday, while first-year divers Alex Wohler, Eileen Garcia, and Jordan Heller will contribute to the team's efforts as well.

Not to be outdone by the Cougar women, the Clark men's team (2-0) will also be competing against their Bridgewater counterparts tonight. The Cougars have beaten the Bears (1-1) the last three times the teams have met.

Senior Drew Jackson, a multiple school record holder, is expected to lead the group which also includes up-and-coming backstroker Ryan Garr and first-years Cooper Hart and Lamar Duffy. Senior captain Tim O'Keefe's leadership has pushed the team forward over the past four years.

"Our freshman guys have done well but they are still adjusting," said Phillips. "They need to continue forming an identity as a class. Some guys are giving a tremendous effort every day including Josh Yocum and Cory Coose."

Additionally, the Cougars also welcome back Dan Howard (butterfly) and Brian Walsh (freestyle). "Dan had a breakout year last season and followed up with a lot of hard work in the weight room over the summer," Phillips added. "I cannot say enough about his preparation for the season and his commitment to the team. While Brian put up the 3rd fastest time in Clark history in the 1650 as a sophomore. He is capable of getting back to where he was and beyond this season."

While both the women and the men's squads have all of the strokes covered, the diving board is well-armed as well. Jess Baker is in her fourth season on the boards - and a multi sport athlete (rowing). Senior Sal Pezzella, a top-five diver in the conference as a freshman - has returned after a year and a half away from the sport. Both divers should boost the group to the next level  and sophomore Greg Wetmore has been an integral part of the emergence of the diving contingent. First-year Sam Moody and junior Mark Stabile are converted gymnasts who have shown promise on the boards.

"I am so excited about our diving group," said Phillips. "They are hard working, dedicated and enthusiastic. They are eager to make their presence felt on the team this year."