Jan. 24, 2005
THIS WEEK — The University of Iowa women’s swimming team will host No. 23 Northwestern and Ohio State Saturday afternoon at 1 p.m. in the Fieldhouse Pool.
SCOUTING NORTHWESTERN — The Wildcats are ranked 23rd according to the College Swim Coaches Association. They have posted a 6-4 record this season and are 3-2 in Big Ten competition. Last weekend Northwestern defeated Illinois, a team which defeated Iowa by four. Freshman Andrea Hupman holds the Wildcats’ top times in the 50, 100, and 200 free while junior Katie Paglini is the top performer in the 100 and 200 back. The Wildcats are coached by Jimmy Tierney.
SCOUTING OHIO STATE — The Buckeyes are 6-4 overall and 1-3 in the Big Ten. Last weekend Ohio State defeated Michigan State 196-103, but fell to Minnesota 156-143. Senior co-captains Ashley Barnes and Katie Kolles lead the Buckeyes in the freestyle events while sophomore Rebekah Rychvalsky is the school record-holder in the 200 breast. The Ohio State diving team also returns a talented foursome in Anesa Beard, Ashley Bourland, Julie Broms and Amber Simmons. The Buckeyes are coached by Jeanne Fleck.
HAWKEYES DEFEAT UNI, FALL TO ILLINOIS — Last week Iowa won all but one event in a 148-46 pounding of in-state rival Northern Iowa, but lost to Big Ten rival Illinois 152-148. Senior Jennifer Skolaski tallied two individual first-place finishes against the Panthers, winning the 200 IM and 100 breast. Against the Fighting Illini, junior Kelly Werner won both the 100 and 200 back while senior diver Lisette Planken swept the one- and three-meter diving events.
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.