Jan. 18, 2005
THIS WEEK — The University of Iowa women’s swimming team will host Northern Iowa Friday evening and Illinois Saturday. Competition is slated to begin at 5 p.m. Friday and 1 p.m. Saturday at the Fieldhouse Pool.
SCOUTING NORTHERN IOWA — The Panthers have yet to record a dual victory this season, but finished fourth at the Truman State Invitational. The 2004-05 squad returns 10 letterwinners from last year’s squad that finished 4-9. Last weekend Northern Iowa fell to Truman State, a team which Iowa beat 171-123 earlier this season. Seniors Amy Haldeman and Lena Shatnaya anchor a young Panther squad.
SCOUTING ILLINOIS — The fighting Illini are 3-4 on the season, recording victories over Louisville, Illinois State and Iowa State. Last weekend Illinois fell to both No. 21 Notre Dame and No. 13 Michigan. Sophomore Barbie Viney, who holds the school record in the 50 free, leads a talented pack of Fighting Illini sprinters that also includes Christina Brunka and Meghan Farrell. The school record-holding 200 free relay team returns intact from last season and sophomore diver Jackie Bain anchors a young diving squad.
HAWKEYES POUND CYCLONES — Iowa won all but one event in a 214-85 pounding of in-state rival Iowa State on December 4, 2004. Senior Jennifer Skolaski tallied three individual first-place finishes and senior diver Lisette Planken swept the one- and three-meter diving events. Junior Andrea Hemphill also recorded two first-place finishes for the Hawkeyes, winning the 100 and 200 fly.
WOMEN’S HEAD COACH Marc Long — Former Hawkeye Assistant Coach Marc Long is in his first season as interim head coach after serving two seasons as assistant. Prior to joining the women’s swimming program, Long served as Iowa’s assistant men’s swimming coach (1998-2001). As a Hawkeye swimmer, Long was a six-time all-American, a two-time Big Ten Champion and a two-time first team all-Big Ten selection. He is assisted by former Hawkeye swimmer Frannie DeBord.
DIVING COACH Bob Rydze — Bob Rydze is in his 30th year as men and women’s diving coach at the University of Iowa. He is the dean of Big Ten swimming and diving coaches.