by Adrian Doerfler
Daily Lobo
The UNM swimming and diving team had one of its most productive seasons in 2006 and looks to build on that success.
The Lobos went 6-6 in dual meets last year, a five-win improvement over 2005 when they finished 1-11.
Head swimming coach Tracy Ljone had her team work hard this summer and expects to see improvement, she said.
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"The offseason went great," she said. "Everyone worked very hard. We concentrated a lot on out-of-the-water training and
conditioning."
The Lobos lost four top swimmers to graduation but returned five seniors for this year's team. It also brought in five freshmen.
Even though the team lost talented seniors, Ljone is not expecting this season to be a rebuilding year, she said.
"We lost a few sprinters, but we are excited about our replacements," she said.
Ljone said she will look to seniors Andrea Zarins, Tori Clarridge, Ashley LaBree and Amina Adnan to lead the team.
Zarins, the team's fastest swimmer in the 100- and 200-yard, is thrilled about her final season.
"We are looking forward to having a very fun year," she said. "As a team and individually, I expect everyone to do the best that they can and everyone to be happy with themselves as well as their
performance."
The diving team will return their top competitor, senior
Carrie Quinn. At the NCAA Division I Zone E Diving Regionals, her best finish was sixth on the 1-meter spring board.
She barely missed qualifying for the NCAA Championships.
This year, she said she wants to take it to the next level.
"I would like to make it to NCAA nationals," she said. "I also want to win first place in one of the spring boards in conference. Last year, I was real close. So this year, that is one of my biggest goals."
Head diving coach Abel Sanchez expects Quinn to be the top diver, but everyone has a chance to contribute.
"Carrie's been here the longest," he said. "She understands how everything works. That doesn't mean one of the other divers can't step up and outperform Carrie. But as of now, she is definitely our team leader."
The swimming and diving team has also been outstanding in the classroom.
Last year, the women had a 3.5 GPA, the school's best out of all athletic programs.
Ljone said she will make sure her athletes continue success in the classroom.
"I can't say enough about them and their academics," Ljone said. "They all get their work done, and I am extremely proud of them."
Swimming and Diving vs. Northern Colorado
Thursday, noon
Seidler Natatorium
