Oct. 3, 2005
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THIS WEEK — The University of Iowa Men’s and Women’s Swimming teams will hold an Intra-squad meet Saturday at 9:00 a.m. The meet is open to the public free of charge.
SEASON PREVIEW — The University of Iowa has made a strong commitment to the swimming and diving program by combining the resources of the men and women’s teams and planning the construction of a new state-of-the-art aquatic center. Marc Long enters his first season as head coach of both teams. He looks to match that commitment by dedicating himself and his staff to building a strong foundation for the program.
Returning 11 letterwinners, the men’s team looks to improve on a 3-10 record and a 10th place finish at the Big Ten Championships. Senior captain Cameron Dye anchors a squad committed to continued improvement. The Hawkeye women bid farewell to all-Americans Jennifer Skolaski and Lisette Planken but will continue to build around seniors Kelly Werner, all-American diver Nancilea Underwood and 15 returning letterwinners.
HEAD COACH Marc Long — Marc Long is in his second season as head coach for the University of Iowa swimming team. He served two seasons as the Iowa women’s assistant coach (2003-04) before taking over the helm for the 2004-05 season. He also served as the Hawkeye men’s assistant coach from 1998-2001.
In his first season with the Hawkeyes, the women’s team recorded its second-highest finish at the NCAA Championships (23rd) in school history. The Hawkeyes were led by two-time all-American diver Nancilea Underwood and four-year NCAA qualifier Jennifer Skolaski. The Hawkeyes set five school and two Fieldhouse pool records in 2004-05, posting a 5-4 overall dual mark.
DIVING COACH Bob Rydze — Bob Rydze is in his 31st year as diving coach of the men and women’s teams at the University of Iowa. He is the dean of Big Ten swimming and diving coaches. During his tenure with the Hawkeyes, Rydze has coached 29 all-Americans, nine Big Ten and one NCAA Champion.
QUOTING COACH LONG — “The intra-squad meet is an opportunity to race in a fun environment. The captains will be picking the teams and assisting with setting the lineups. It is a very fun way to kick off the dual meet season.”