October 9, 2003

BLACKSBURG - The Virginia Tech swimming & diving squads will open up their seasons Sunday, hosting Louisville. The meet will be the first of the year for both squads. The dual meet will begin at 3 p.m., and will be held at War Memorial Pool.

Tech's men are coming off a second-place finish at the 2003 BIG EAST Conference Championships where Kevin Furlong was named the Swimmer of the Year while head coach Ned Skinner was named the Coach of the Year.

Skinner will have to rely on the leadership and mentoring ability of his upperclassmen this season as the Hokie men begin the year on a quest for a conference championship.

However, Skinner and his staff know that they have a solid group of newcomers to complement the talented returnees.

"One might think that graduating a very strong group of seniors, the men's team would not be a factor at the BIG EAST meet this year," he said. "That is not the case, however. With an excellent year of recruiting, and a strong group of upperclassmen, we look to once again contend for a conference title."

The women placed fourth at the conference meet and return several key members of that squad, including Jen Brielmaier, Katy Peterson and Jamie Spradlin.

Having balance among a team of swimmers is a key factor in the team's success level, and Skinner believes the 2003-2004 Hokies have just the right combination to seriously contend for the BIG EAST Championship.

"Our women's team once again has incredible balance in all components of our program," Skinner said. "We should be a contender for the very top spots at the conference meet."