by Brandon Call
Daily Lobo
The UNM swimming and diving team is looking to build off of last year's performance.
The Lobos finished seventh at the Mountain West Conference Championships and recorded a 6-6 dual-meet record in 2006.
Compared to the 2005 season, when the Lobos went 1-11, head coach Tracy Ljone said 2006 was a successful season.
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"We did great last season," she said. "We had the best dual-meet season in about a decade, and that was our goal - to become more competitive last year. We also had a bunch of girls in the finals at conference."
UNM returns 15 athletes from last year's team including sophomore Ashley Grisdale, the only Lobo to medal at the MWC Championships in 2006.
Grisdale placed third in the 200-yard butterfly, clocking a time of 2:04.49.
The sophomore is looking to improve on her bronze medal finish this season, she said.
"It was awesome," Grisdale said. "The team really helped me and encouraged me. This year, I hope to go further and maybe qualify for NCAAs."
Senior captain Andrea Zarins returned to UNM. Zarins reached the finals at conference, finishing 12th place in the 200-yard breaststroke.
Zarins said being the captain this year is exciting.
"It's really fun being the captain," she said. "I like listening to everyone and being supportive. Our team is like a family, and I hope that I do a good job of promoting that."
Senior diver Carrie Quinn is also back for 2007. Quinn finished fifth - her best performance at the championships - on the platform board with 198.60 points.
Ljone said she is happy to return familiar faces to the team.
"It's always nice when you've had people around for awhile just for team unity," she said. "Also, it helps with our competitive experience. We have athletes that know what it's like being in the water with other collegiate teams."
New recruits add to the Lobos' depth, Ljone said.
"We have six new freshmen and two transfers joining us," she said. "We're real excited to see where they are going to fit into the lineup. We brought in some girls to fill some spots, and they look good so far."
Also new for 2007 are the Lobos training methods. Ljone said she is putting more emphasis on swimmers' condition outside of the water.
"We're trying out a new practice schedule, and it seems to be working," she said. "We're concentrating a lot more on dry land and weights. They are putting in the time and working hard."
Grisdale said the practice will pay off for the Lobos.
"Since we are working our butts off, the whole team is going to do amazing," she said. "We're really excited, and we can't wait for the season to begin."
UNM opens its 2007 season at home against Northern Colorado on Oct. 11.
In 2006, the Lobos narrowly defeated the Bears 105-104 in Greeley, Colo.
Ljone said UNM will be ready for the competition.
"Northern Colorado is our only home meet of the fall season," she said. "It's a great rivalry and a great meet to start the year off with. We have a month to prepare, so we'll be ready
for them."
Swimming and diving
Oct. 11, noon
UNM Seidler Natatorium
