Lincoln College opens swimming season

[NOV. 6, 2004]  Lincoln College opens its swimming season at the Eastern Illinois Invitational this weekend in Charleston with high hopes. "We have a larger squad this season, which should help us with team scoring," said Lincoln coach Dan Hemenway. "We have been handicapped somewhat in past seasons due to a lack of numbers."

Heading the list of outstanding swimmers for the men are co-captains Stephen O'Leary and Robert Aritzmendi. "O'Leary is a seven-time all-American who will be counted on heavily in the 400 IM and several distance races," said Hemenway. "Aritzmendi will be one of our top swimmers in the sprints. Will Dickerson should also be one of our top swimmers in the backstroke. Other sophomores who should be a tremendous help to the team include Jeffrey Byrne, Paul Davis and Tyler Stegmaier."

Heading the list of freshmen who figure to help the squad will be Kyle Kearby. "He has shown the ability to be able to swim in any event," said Hemenway. "I expect big things from him throughout the season." Other freshmen who figure to aid the Lynx are John Brown, Daniel Goodman, Brett Pencar and James Hnatuik.

"We have a good freshman group, and if our sophomores continue to show the leadership, it should be a good season," said Hemenway. "Our men's and women's team had the top grade-point average in the nation, and we are very proud of our athletes. They have a lot of potential and a great work ethic. We should be able to contend for the national title, and I expect us to be at least in the top three."

On the women's side, co-captains Amanda Hurt and Molly Turner are the team leaders, with Emily Simpson and Reanna Guererro also being counted on heavily. "I am looking for leadership from those four, and I would have to say this is the best squad we have been able to put together for several years," claimed Hemenway. "Overall, they have been working well together as a team, and the work ethic has been tremendous."

Other leading candidates for the women include Ashley Jackson, Katelyn Krueger, Stephanie Couch, Dianne Lynch, Daryl Anne Barr and Jamie Smith.

"We probably have more athletes from the area than we have had in the past, and many of them have been impressive in the early going," Hemenway said. "They are definitely going to help our program."

[Bill Martinie, Lincoln College]

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