Even though the Springfield College men's swimming and diving team was hit by graduation in 2007, several returning national qualifiers and a solid corps of newcomers should help the Pride remain near the top of the New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference (NEWMAC).
Junior Greg Pearsall and sophomore Matt Manoni return after achieving national qualifying standards a year ago. The return of former national three-meter diving runner-up Ben Casavant, who missed last season with a shoulder injury, bolsters a strong group at both ends of the pool.
The 2007-08 men’s swimming and diving team at Springfield College is headed by Coach John Taffe who enters his 19th season directing the Pride. Nine Pride squads have finished among the top 20 teams in Division III over the past 11 years, as Taffe guided the Pride to its first-ever NEWMAC championship in 2005, earning him NEWMAC Coach of the Year honors. Taffe feels that this year's squad shows tremendous enthusiasm and potential. As the year progessess, Taffe thinks his team will develop and show marked improvements.
Other returner's to watch include seniors Justin Zook, Scott Teti, and Martin Gullberg, as well as junior Anthony Bruno and sophomore Ryan Mackstutis. Andrew Blakesley should solidify an already strong sprint and middle distance freestyle in his freshman campaign while diver Brian Sobol and Maryland-native Joe Finn will also make an immediate impact.
The diving team is led by Coach Peter Avdoulos in his 23rd season. The 1985 graduate of SC was named the 2005 NCAA Division III Men’s Diving Coach of the Year. He was also named the NEWMAC Men’s Diving Coach of the Year in ’05 and ’06.
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Men's Swimming and Diving Team Photo
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Men’s Swimming & Diving News
Justin Zook, a senior captain on the Springfield College men's swim team, won four events and set multiple records at the U.S. Paralympic Swim Trials, held April 3-5 at the University of Minnesota. Zook, who previously represented the U.S. at the Paralympic Games in 2004 (Athens), will be representing the U.S. at the Paralympic Games in Beijing, Sept. 6-17.
Watch video of Zook here. |
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