2003-2004 Team Update
 

Fall 2003

What’s Up for 2003-2004

            This year’s women’s and men’s teams have even more quality and depth than last season’s third-place Midwest Conference (MWC) squads.  Both teams have lost some premier competitors to graduation, but have picked up quality first-year athletes who will make their mark.  Additionally, Coach Kirner has juggled the schedule to take advantage of a few quality invitationals and some strategically placed dual meets to motivate and challenge his athletes.

Early Season Diving

Early Season Waterpolo

 This year’s women’s team will again feature three-time most valuable swimmer Jodie Primus (‘04, Madison , WI), who will defend her 200 IM and 100 breaststroke MWC titles.  Her teammate and conference runner-up in the 200 IM, Tiffany Pannier (‘04, Salt Lake City, UT), will also be challenging for the top spot in the 400 IM.  Mara Sarabia (‘05, Carbondale, IL) will again be one of the premier distance swimmers in the conference.  As for new swimmers, Illinois transfer Heather Prochnow (‘06, Warrenville, IL) will contend in the fly and sprints and freshmen Meggin Brittain (Green Bay, WI), Mandy Burgess (Northfield, MN), Meredith Claycomb (Sioux Falls, SD) Laura Miller (Alief, TX) and Celine Kitzenberg (Eden Prairie, MN) all have the times to break into the top eight at the MWCs.

The men’s team will be led by captain and MWC top returning miler Paul Schook (‘04, St. Paul, MN).  The Vikings will be bolstered by the strength of three juniors who played significant roles in 2003: three-time conference champ in the 100 and 200 breaststroke, Nick Heuer (‘05, Davenport, IA),  top flyer/mid-distance freestyler Chris Perry (‘05, Kansas City, KS) and IM specialist Chris Sarasin (‘05, Marquette, MI).   The team will also benefit from a strong first-year and transfer class including Steve Vander Naalt (Carol Stream, IL), Chad Bertrand (Hartford, WI), Erik Obermiller (Cowan, TN) and James Hustace (Kamuela, HI).

Both teams have consistently placed in the top three in the Midwest Conference in the past twelve years. The 2003-04 squads not only plan to continue that tradition, but should be in contention for the 2004 team championship titles.  Coach Kirner says, “I like the talent and character of this year’s teams.  They look for a challenge, create a winning spirit, keep the sport fun and are a joy to be around.  This year’s group is a unique mixture of leadership from the strong upper class and vitality and energy from the new incoming bunch.”  Both teams should continue to be superior in the classroom, as well, with combined grade point averages above 3.0 on a 4 point scale.