2006-07 Men's Swimming Preview

BLOOMSBURG- After losing some of its top swimmers, including two national qualifiers, some may think the 2006-07 Bloomsburg University men's swim team is in a rebuilding stage. However, head coach R.J. Wojtaylk feels this year's team can be better than last season. The Huskies will open up their season this on October 21 at 1 p.m. as they host the Bloomsburg Relays.

"We have better depth then in recent years," said Wojtaylk. "In the past, we would win six or seven races but lose the meet, but this year we may only win three or four races but win the meet, because there are so many more people able to do different things."

Leading the way for the Huskies this year will be senior Bret Palmer (Marysville/ Susquenita) and sophomores Josh Chandler (Mount Joy /Donegal), Mike Williams (Huntingdon Valley /Lower Moreland) and Steve Withers (Doylestown /Central Bucks West).

Palmer qualified for the 50-free at the PSAC Championships last season. Steve Withers was part of the 400-free relay team broke 27-year old school record. Withers also qualified in the 200-free, 1000-free, and 1650-free. Chandler scored points the 200-IM, the 400-IM medley relay, 400-IM and qualified in the 100-back and 200-back at the PSAC Championships.

In addition, the Huskies bring in a talented freshman class that will make an immediate impact. Bloosmburg's top recruit is Joe Bentz (York/ York Suburban), who was a state qualifier in two events at York Suburban High School, where his team won the state championship. Other key freshmen include, Kyle Weisenbach (Avon Grove/Lincoln University), Dereck Fritz (Stevens/ Epherata), Tom Chlebda (Perkasie/ Pennridge) and David Mancinelli (Plymoth Meeting/ Westmont Hilltop).

Overall, Wojtylak feels the Huskies can finish as high as third at the conference championships. The Huskies will have to compete with the top teams West Chester and Clarion as well as Shippensburg, IUP, Kutztown, and Edinboro.

"Our goal is to have a winning record again, and to be competitive at the conference championships", added Wojtylak. "We have a young team that will have to adjust to the college environment, but if we work hard enough can reach our goals."