Bloomsburg University Men's Swimming Preview
The 2005-06 season promises to be an exciting one for the men's swim team. After losing only one senior to graduation, the Huskies will have an experienced squad that should improve on last season's record.
"We definitely feel we can have a winning record this year and move up towards the top of the conference," says head coach R.J. Wojtylak.
The Huskies have several talented and experienced swimmers who can help them achieve this goal. Wojtylak believes the team is strongest in the freestyle events.
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This due in part to the performance of senior Travis Backenstoe. Backenstoe has finished in the top six at the PSAC championships the last two years. He also scored points in the 100 free and is the anchor of the 200 free, 400 free, 200 medley, and 400 medley relays.
In the middle distance freestyle events, the Huskies are led by senior Stephen Post and junior Chris Rumfelt. Last season, Rumfelt was the team's most valuable swimmer. Rumfelt scored points in the 200-, 500-, and 1000-free events at the PSAC's and was a member of the All-Conference 800-free relay last season. Post in addition to being one of the captains, was a member of the All-Conference 800 free relay last season as well and also scored points in the 500 free at the conference championships.
In distance freestyle, the Huskies expect contributions from senior Ken Smith. Smith was the team's most improved swimmer last season. He went from missing the conference championships his sophomore year to scoring in the top 10 in the 1650-free last season.
The Huskies also return junior Mark Freeman who is the team's top backstroker. Freeman qualified for the PSAC championships last year and scored in the 200-back and was also a member of the 200-free and 200-and 400-medley relays.
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The Huskies also have a number of freshmen who should make an impact right away. Jason Chrisanthon will contribute in breaststroke, while Josh Chandler should add depth in backstroke events. Both were state qualifiers in high school. Other newcomers include Andy Van Buskirk, Steve Withers, Steve Ghazi, Mike Williams and Matt Lindsay.
"Our goals are to score more points at the conference championship and possibly have a member of the team qualify for nationals," said coach Wojtylak.
With a number of seniors and some talented freshmen, the Huskies are confident they can meet these goals.
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