Feb. 28, 2005
THIS WEEK — The University of Iowa men’s swimming team will compete in the Iowa Senior Championships, Friday through Sunday, at the Field House Pool in Iowa City, IA. Preliminary competition will begin at 9:30 a.m., while the finals will begin at 5:30 p.m.
THE COMPETITION — The Senior Championships will feature swim clubs from across the state of Iowa, including the Bettendorf Swim Club and the Cedar Valley Barracudas, who are hosting the meet. The University of Iowa men’s and women’s swimming teams will both be competing in the meet.
LAST TIME OUT — The Iowa men’s swimming finished 10th with a score of 104 at the Big Ten Championships in Minneapolis, MN at the University Aquatic Center. The host Minnesota came away with the team title in a score of 720. The Hawkeyes had 20 swimmers competing in finals events over the course of the weekend. Iowa was led by a pair of freshman. Dragos Agache had the best individual performance. Agache finished 10th in the 100 breaststroke in a time of 54.54. The time was a new personal as well as a team best for the season. Nate Keeling finished 14th in the 200 butterfly. His time of 1:50.77 was a new personal best.
HEAD COACH Marc Long — Former Hawkeye Assistant Coach Marc Long is in his first season as head coach after serving the past two seasons as assistant to the women’s program. He is also the head women’s swimming coach. Prior to joining the men’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 diving coach of the men and women’s teams at the University of Iowa, and is the dean of Big Ten swimming and diving coaches.