CHARLESTON, S.C. ? The Georgia Southern swimming & diving team opened the 2007 season with an impressive victory over the College of Charleston in the Eagles first ever Coastal Collegiate Swimming Association (CCSA) meet, held in Charleston this past weekend.
The Eagles (1-0, 1-0) defeated the Cougars 184-115 on Saturday afternoon. Three Eagles swimmers were triple winners helping GSU to the victory. Sophomore Courtney Martz (Woodbine, Ga.) accomplished the feat in the 100 back, 50 free and 200 free relay, while teammate Ashley White (Charlotte, N.C.) was successful in the 200 breast, 100 breast and 200 medley relay. Freshman Ali Campbell opened her collegiate career on a high-note as the Ft. McMurray, Alberta, Canada native notched three wins in the 200 free relay, 100 and 200 free events as well as a second place finish in the 400 free.
"I am very pleased with our performances, energy level, and racing," said coach Nathan Kellogg. “The meet was short-course meters, so most of our swimmers had no idea what their times meant. It was all about racing and I feel like we did a good job of that.”
Georgia Southern was very consistent as a team as three Eagles swimmers were double event winners. Freshman Steffi Sheckler (Umatilla, Fla.) was successful in both the one and three-meter dives and teammates Katie Thompson (Blairsville, Ga.) and Jennifer Clayton (Marietta, Ga.) were a part of the 200 medley relay team. Both Thompson and Clayton also posted wins in the 200 IM, and 200 free relay.
The swimming & diving program had a very strong start to the 2007 season. Three other GSU swimmers claimed individual titles in one event each. Freshman Kristen Haudenschild (Woodbridge, Va.) was successful in her debut taking first as a part of the 200 medley relay. Lindsay Goodman (Knoxville, Tenn.) opened her collegiate career with a victory in the 200 back and junior Katelyn Woolfolk (Satellite Beach, Fla.) was a member of the 200 free relay.
“This meet was an opportunity to learn what our strengths and weaknesses are,” said Kellogg. “We'll use this meet to get better for the remainder of the season. Our divers were very successful and we are hopeful that they will continue to do that. Overall, we had a great opening meet and had a lot of fun."
Georgia Southern is back in action next weekend as they will christen the pristine Aquatics Center at the Recreation Activity Center. The Eagles play host to Southeastern Conference opponent Vanderbilt, October 20 at noon.
