By Robert H. Kelly
Below is the link to the official results from day one of competition at the Univeristy of Houston Swimming and Diving Phill Hansel Duals Weekend.
Click here to view the results.
Saturday, October 27, 2007
University of Houstron Swimming and Diving Splits after First Day at Hansel Duals Weekend
(HOUSTON, TX, October 26, 2007) The University of Houston swimming and diving team stood ahead in two meets and trailed in two meets following the first day of the Phill Hansel Duals Weekend on Friday at the Campus Recreation & Wellness Center Natatorium.
The Cougars led Florida International 126-59 and led New Orleans 131-50 while trailing Brigham Young University 128-58 and crosstown rival Rice 115-68.
The two-day meet concludes at 11:30 a.m., Saturday, with the 400-yard medley relay, 500-yard freestyle, 200-yard butterfly, 200-yard backstroke, 1-meter diving, 100-yard breaststroke, 100-yard freestyle, 400-yard individual medley and 200-yard freestyle relay.
Fans and media should note that Saturday's meet begins at 11:30 a.m., not 11 a.m., as originally listed in some publications. The meet is free and open to the public, which is invited to attend.
The meet is named after longtime Swimming and Diving head coach Phill Hansel, who led the program from 1975 to 1996, earning 70 dual-meet victories and three Southwest Conference Coach of the Year honors.
Junior Sasha Schwendenwein won the 200-yard freestyle with a time of 1:49.95 to finish nearly three seconds ahead of her closest competitor. The Randburg, South Africa, native also provisionally qualified for the 2008 NCAA Championships with her clocking.
Sophomore Jessica Shamburger, the 2007 Conference USA Freshman Swimmer of the Year, grabbed top honors in the 100-yard backstroke with a time of 59.20.
The Cougar divers finished 1-2-3 in their first competition of the season with senior captain Ginni van Katwijk leading the way. The Grootebroek, Netherlands, native finished with 293.45 points.
Freshmen Lacey Truelove and Courtney Forcucci - competing in their first collegiate meets - placed 2-3 with 274.75 points and 267.70 points, respectively.
The Cougars' 200-yard medley relay team of Shamburger, junior Doreen Polotzek, freshman Andrea Kells and Schwendenwein finished third with a time of 1:49.32.
The Cougars led Florida International 126-59 and led New Orleans 131-50 while trailing Brigham Young University 128-58 and crosstown rival Rice 115-68.
The two-day meet concludes at 11:30 a.m., Saturday, with the 400-yard medley relay, 500-yard freestyle, 200-yard butterfly, 200-yard backstroke, 1-meter diving, 100-yard breaststroke, 100-yard freestyle, 400-yard individual medley and 200-yard freestyle relay.
Fans and media should note that Saturday's meet begins at 11:30 a.m., not 11 a.m., as originally listed in some publications. The meet is free and open to the public, which is invited to attend.
The meet is named after longtime Swimming and Diving head coach Phill Hansel, who led the program from 1975 to 1996, earning 70 dual-meet victories and three Southwest Conference Coach of the Year honors.
Junior Sasha Schwendenwein won the 200-yard freestyle with a time of 1:49.95 to finish nearly three seconds ahead of her closest competitor. The Randburg, South Africa, native also provisionally qualified for the 2008 NCAA Championships with her clocking.
Sophomore Jessica Shamburger, the 2007 Conference USA Freshman Swimmer of the Year, grabbed top honors in the 100-yard backstroke with a time of 59.20.
The Cougar divers finished 1-2-3 in their first competition of the season with senior captain Ginni van Katwijk leading the way. The Grootebroek, Netherlands, native finished with 293.45 points.
Freshmen Lacey Truelove and Courtney Forcucci - competing in their first collegiate meets - placed 2-3 with 274.75 points and 267.70 points, respectively.
The Cougars' 200-yard medley relay team of Shamburger, junior Doreen Polotzek, freshman Andrea Kells and Schwendenwein finished third with a time of 1:49.32.
Friday, October 26, 2007
Houston Swimming and Diving Plays Host to Phill Hansel Duals Weekend
Cougars to Meet Rice, New Orleans, Florida International and BYU in Two-Day Meet
(HOUSTON, TEXAS, October 25, 2007) The University of Houston swimming and diving team opens its 2007-2008 home schedule this weekend as it plays host to the second annual Phill Hansel Duals Weekend at the Campus Recreation & Wellness Center Natatorium.
The meet is free and open to the public, which is invited to attend. In addition to the Cougars, the two-day meet features crosstown- and C-USA-rival Rice, BYU, New Orleans and Florida International.
All five teams will compete against one another in dual-meet scoring.
Friday's action begins at 5 p.m., with the 200-yard medley relay, 1,000-yard freestyle, 200-yard freestyle, 100-yard butterfly, 100-yard backstroke, 200-yard breaststroke, 3-meter diving, 50-yard freestyle, 200-yard individual medley and 400-yard freestyle relay.
The meet concludes at 11:30 a.m., Saturday, with the 400-yard medley relay, 500-yard freestyle, 200-yard butterfly, 200-yard backstroke, 1-meter diving, 100-yard breaststroke, 100-yard freestyle, 400-yard individual medley and 200-yard freestyle relay.
Fans and media should note that Saturday's meet will begin at 11:30 a.m., not 11 a.m., as originally listed in some publications.
The meet is named after longtime Swimming and Diving head coach Phill Hansel, who led the program from 1975 to 1996, earning 70 dual-meet victories and three Southwest Conference Coach of the Year honors.
A year ago, the Cougars went 4-1 during the Hansel Duals Weekend, posting wins over Mesa State, Rice, Trinity and New Orleans. Only a loss to Nevada blemished a perfect record.
The Cougars (1-0) come into the meet after enjoying a 116-85 win over Southwestern in Georgetown on Oct. 12. At that meet, Cougar freshmen led the way with Paige Bissett posting first-place finishes in the 200-yard individual medley and 100-yard backstroke.
Other Cougar freshmen to record first-place finishes during their first collegiate meets included Brittany Copeland and Andrea Kells. Freshman Lindsey Graves swam the opening leg of the Cougars' winning 200-yard freestyle relay team.
Following Friday's meet, the Cougars return to action at 4 p.m., Nov. 2, when they face Miami (Fla.) in a dual meet. That meet is part of a weekend trip to the Sunshine State. Following their meet against the Hurricanes, the Cougars face Florida International and Indian River Community College in a tri-meet at 10 a.m., Nov. 3 at the Miami Shores Pool.
(HOUSTON, TEXAS, October 25, 2007) The University of Houston swimming and diving team opens its 2007-2008 home schedule this weekend as it plays host to the second annual Phill Hansel Duals Weekend at the Campus Recreation & Wellness Center Natatorium.
The meet is free and open to the public, which is invited to attend. In addition to the Cougars, the two-day meet features crosstown- and C-USA-rival Rice, BYU, New Orleans and Florida International.
All five teams will compete against one another in dual-meet scoring.
Friday's action begins at 5 p.m., with the 200-yard medley relay, 1,000-yard freestyle, 200-yard freestyle, 100-yard butterfly, 100-yard backstroke, 200-yard breaststroke, 3-meter diving, 50-yard freestyle, 200-yard individual medley and 400-yard freestyle relay.
The meet concludes at 11:30 a.m., Saturday, with the 400-yard medley relay, 500-yard freestyle, 200-yard butterfly, 200-yard backstroke, 1-meter diving, 100-yard breaststroke, 100-yard freestyle, 400-yard individual medley and 200-yard freestyle relay.
Fans and media should note that Saturday's meet will begin at 11:30 a.m., not 11 a.m., as originally listed in some publications.
The meet is named after longtime Swimming and Diving head coach Phill Hansel, who led the program from 1975 to 1996, earning 70 dual-meet victories and three Southwest Conference Coach of the Year honors.
A year ago, the Cougars went 4-1 during the Hansel Duals Weekend, posting wins over Mesa State, Rice, Trinity and New Orleans. Only a loss to Nevada blemished a perfect record.
The Cougars (1-0) come into the meet after enjoying a 116-85 win over Southwestern in Georgetown on Oct. 12. At that meet, Cougar freshmen led the way with Paige Bissett posting first-place finishes in the 200-yard individual medley and 100-yard backstroke.
Other Cougar freshmen to record first-place finishes during their first collegiate meets included Brittany Copeland and Andrea Kells. Freshman Lindsey Graves swam the opening leg of the Cougars' winning 200-yard freestyle relay team.
Following Friday's meet, the Cougars return to action at 4 p.m., Nov. 2, when they face Miami (Fla.) in a dual meet. That meet is part of a weekend trip to the Sunshine State. Following their meet against the Hurricanes, the Cougars face Florida International and Indian River Community College in a tri-meet at 10 a.m., Nov. 3 at the Miami Shores Pool.
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
2007 Dynamo Awards Announced: Onstad, Mullan named Co-Honda MVP’s
(HOUSTON, TEXAS, October 24, 2007) Houston Dynamo goalkeeper Pat Onstad and midfielder Brian Mullan have been named co-recipients of the Honda Most Valuable Player Award for the 2007 season. Onstad and Mullan’s awards were announced on houstondynamo.com, three days before the Dynamo opens its participation in the 2007 MLS Cup Playoffs against FC Dallas.
Other awards announced include Joseph Ngwenya as the winner of the 2007 Budweiser Golden Boot Award, Eddie Robinson as the club’s Defender of the Year, and Craig Waibel as recipient of the United States Soccer Foundation Dynamo Humanitarian Award.
Onstad set an MLS single-season record with his 0.82 goals against average. Onstad also posted 11 shutouts and 13 wins, and was a leading force behind the Dynamo defensive streak of 727 consecutive minutes without allowing a goal. That consecutive streak, which Onstad teamed with Zach Wells, is the longest streak in modern day professional team sports in North America.
Mullan played in 28 games, with one goal (vs. Chivas USA June 21) and three assists. The midfielder was instrumental in setting up the Dynamo offensive attack, and is renowned throughout MLS for his steady play and leadership. On July 15 against Toronto FC, Mullan suffered a broken cheekbone and continued play throughout the contest, missing only one subsequent game due to the injury. Mullan is in his seventh MLS season.
Ngwenya won the Budweiser Golden Boot Award for his seven goals and four assists. Ngwenya, Brian Ching and Nate Jaqua each tallied seven times this season; the award went to Ngwenya in an assist tiebreaker (Ngwenya 4, Ching 2, Jaqua 2). Ngwenya was acquired from Columbus in May and went on a streak of three consecutive games with goals (6/3-6/10 vs. FC Dallas, Colorado and Columbus). Ngwenya’s goal against Chicago on July 12 is regarded by many around the league as the potential Goal of the Year.
Robinson repeats as winner of the Dynamo Defender of the Year. Robinson played in 25 games, scoring twice with two assists. Robinson was named to the MLS All-Star team, and in his seventh year in MLS continued his reputation as one of the most intimidating and physical players in the game.
Waibel lends his name to countless charitable efforts around the Houston area and in his native Spokane. Waibel has been feted throughout his eight-year MLS career for his continued community efforts.
The Dynamo opens the MLS Cup Playoffs Saturday, October 27 against FC Dallas in game one of the Western Conference semifinal (Ch. 55, DirectKick, ch. 43 TV Informa, 850am and 101.7fm). The return match in the two game, aggregate-goal series is Friday, November 2 at Robertson Stadium.
Other awards announced include Joseph Ngwenya as the winner of the 2007 Budweiser Golden Boot Award, Eddie Robinson as the club’s Defender of the Year, and Craig Waibel as recipient of the United States Soccer Foundation Dynamo Humanitarian Award.
Onstad set an MLS single-season record with his 0.82 goals against average. Onstad also posted 11 shutouts and 13 wins, and was a leading force behind the Dynamo defensive streak of 727 consecutive minutes without allowing a goal. That consecutive streak, which Onstad teamed with Zach Wells, is the longest streak in modern day professional team sports in North America.
Mullan played in 28 games, with one goal (vs. Chivas USA June 21) and three assists. The midfielder was instrumental in setting up the Dynamo offensive attack, and is renowned throughout MLS for his steady play and leadership. On July 15 against Toronto FC, Mullan suffered a broken cheekbone and continued play throughout the contest, missing only one subsequent game due to the injury. Mullan is in his seventh MLS season.
Ngwenya won the Budweiser Golden Boot Award for his seven goals and four assists. Ngwenya, Brian Ching and Nate Jaqua each tallied seven times this season; the award went to Ngwenya in an assist tiebreaker (Ngwenya 4, Ching 2, Jaqua 2). Ngwenya was acquired from Columbus in May and went on a streak of three consecutive games with goals (6/3-6/10 vs. FC Dallas, Colorado and Columbus). Ngwenya’s goal against Chicago on July 12 is regarded by many around the league as the potential Goal of the Year.
Robinson repeats as winner of the Dynamo Defender of the Year. Robinson played in 25 games, scoring twice with two assists. Robinson was named to the MLS All-Star team, and in his seventh year in MLS continued his reputation as one of the most intimidating and physical players in the game.
Waibel lends his name to countless charitable efforts around the Houston area and in his native Spokane. Waibel has been feted throughout his eight-year MLS career for his continued community efforts.
The Dynamo opens the MLS Cup Playoffs Saturday, October 27 against FC Dallas in game one of the Western Conference semifinal (Ch. 55, DirectKick, ch. 43 TV Informa, 850am and 101.7fm). The return match in the two game, aggregate-goal series is Friday, November 2 at Robertson Stadium.
Sunday, October 21, 2007
USOC CHAIRMAN PETER UEBERROTH SIGNS OFFICIAL INVITATION TO SEND U.S. TEAM TO 2008 OLYMPIC AND PARALYMPIC GAMES
(HOUSTON, TEXAS, October 19, 2007) The 2007 U.S. Olympic Assembly concludes Sunday in Houston, Texas, after five days of meetings and panels involving more than 300 members of the U.S. Olympic Family. At Saturday’s luncheon, Former President George H. W. Bush and former first lady Barbara Bush were welcomed as special guests, and U.S. Olympic Committee (USOC) Chairman of the Board Peter Ueberroth named President Bush the Honorary Chef de Mission of the 2008 U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Teams for the 2008 Games in Beijing, China. This is the first time the USOC has bestowed the title of Honorary Chef de Mission upon an individual.
President Bush and Ueberroth then participated in a signing ceremony, during which the USOC officially accepted the invitation for the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Teams to compete in the 2008 Games.
Friday was highlighted by the USOC Board of Directors meeting. Primary topics for the USOC Board were:
• The 2008 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Beijing, and the USOC’s preparations from logistical and competitive standpoints
• USOC international relations efforts, including the Chicago 2016 bid and the AIBA World Boxing Championships
• The ongoing analysis of the USOC Olympic Training Center needs, NGB headquarter needs and USOC headquarter needs
• The fight against doping in sport
Saturday’s keynote address: “Amazing Awaits: Shaping the Future of America’s Olympic Movement,” was delivered by USOC Chief Executive Officer Jim Scherr, USOC Chief Operating Officer Norman Bellingham and Chicago 2016 Chief Executive Officer Pat Ryan. Other panel discussions included: “The Strength of the Olympic Brand: What Makes Us Different, Makes Us Strong” and “The Fight Against Doping in Sport: The New Frontier.”
The Athletes Advisory Council and the U.S. Olympians Association took strong roles in USOC community outreach while in Houston, visiting four local schools as part of the USOC Champions in Life program and McDonald’s Passport to Play program. In addition, Olympians, Paralympians and elite athletes visited a Ronald McDonald House in Houston, honoring everyday heroes – the seriously ill children receiving treatment at Texas Children’s Hospital.
Other guest speakers at Saturday’s luncheon were Olympic wrestler Brad Vering, World track cycling champion Sarah Hammer and Paralympic track & field hopeful Scott Winkler. The three athletes shared their inspirational stories with the full assembly during a question and answer session, and visited with President and Mrs. Bush at the head table.
President Bush has long been a supporter of the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Teams. He spoke to America’s athletes in Athens during the 2004 Olympic Games as the head of the official White House Delegation. He welcomed the 1992 Olympic and Paralympic Teams to the White House during his presidency. He has strong ties to China, the host of the 2008 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Early in his public service career, President Bush served as chief of the U.S. Liaison Office in the People’s Republic of China from 1974-1976.
This third annual U.S. Olympic Assembly brought together the various members of the USOC and organizations associated with the U.S. Olympic Movement in an effort to foster communication, collaboration and the development of new initiatives to support America’s athletes.
President Bush and Ueberroth then participated in a signing ceremony, during which the USOC officially accepted the invitation for the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Teams to compete in the 2008 Games.
Friday was highlighted by the USOC Board of Directors meeting. Primary topics for the USOC Board were:
• The 2008 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Beijing, and the USOC’s preparations from logistical and competitive standpoints
• USOC international relations efforts, including the Chicago 2016 bid and the AIBA World Boxing Championships
• The ongoing analysis of the USOC Olympic Training Center needs, NGB headquarter needs and USOC headquarter needs
• The fight against doping in sport
Saturday’s keynote address: “Amazing Awaits: Shaping the Future of America’s Olympic Movement,” was delivered by USOC Chief Executive Officer Jim Scherr, USOC Chief Operating Officer Norman Bellingham and Chicago 2016 Chief Executive Officer Pat Ryan. Other panel discussions included: “The Strength of the Olympic Brand: What Makes Us Different, Makes Us Strong” and “The Fight Against Doping in Sport: The New Frontier.”
The Athletes Advisory Council and the U.S. Olympians Association took strong roles in USOC community outreach while in Houston, visiting four local schools as part of the USOC Champions in Life program and McDonald’s Passport to Play program. In addition, Olympians, Paralympians and elite athletes visited a Ronald McDonald House in Houston, honoring everyday heroes – the seriously ill children receiving treatment at Texas Children’s Hospital.
Other guest speakers at Saturday’s luncheon were Olympic wrestler Brad Vering, World track cycling champion Sarah Hammer and Paralympic track & field hopeful Scott Winkler. The three athletes shared their inspirational stories with the full assembly during a question and answer session, and visited with President and Mrs. Bush at the head table.
President Bush has long been a supporter of the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Teams. He spoke to America’s athletes in Athens during the 2004 Olympic Games as the head of the official White House Delegation. He welcomed the 1992 Olympic and Paralympic Teams to the White House during his presidency. He has strong ties to China, the host of the 2008 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Early in his public service career, President Bush served as chief of the U.S. Liaison Office in the People’s Republic of China from 1974-1976.
This third annual U.S. Olympic Assembly brought together the various members of the USOC and organizations associated with the U.S. Olympic Movement in an effort to foster communication, collaboration and the development of new initiatives to support America’s athletes.
Saturday, October 20, 2007
Kelly Named University of Houston Swimming and Diving Announcer
By Chris Price(HOUSTON, TEXAS, October 20, 2007) TexSport Publications editor and senior writer Robert Kelly has been named the meet announcer for the University of Houston Swimming and Diving Team for 2007-2008.
Kelly began serving as the announcer for the Cougars last season and finished up the year being appointed by Conference USA and the University of Houston as the announcer for the Conference USA Swimming and Diving Championships which was hosted by the University of Houston.
He will return to the microphone to kick off the Cougars home meets on October 26-27 as they play host to Brigham Young University, Florida International, New Orleans and Conference USA rival Rice during the second Phill Hansel Duals Weekend. The two-day meet begins at 5 pm Friday, October 26 and wraps up at 11 am on Saturday, October 27.
When you attend the meets, listen for Kelly's color commentary, calling of the races, and the unique swimming trivia he brings to the microphone.
Saturday, October 13, 2007
Freshmen Lead Charge in Season-Opening Win at Southwestern
(GEORGETOWN, TEXAS, October 12, 2007) Freshman Paige Bissett won two individual events to lead a charge of newcomers during the University of Houston swimming team's 116-85 win over Southwestern on Friday at the Robertson Center Natatorium.
Bissett, competing in her first collegiate meet, won the 200-yard individual medley after a clocking of 2:19.08. The Rumson, N.J., native also finished first in the 100-yard backstroke with a time of 1:02.15.
However, she was just part of a Cougar newcomer attack. Freshman Brittany Copeland won the 50-yard freestyle competition with a time of 25.71, while Andrea Kells won the 100-yard butterfly with a time of 59.73.
Freshman Lindsey Graves swam the opening leg on the Cougars' 200-yard freestyle relay team that finished first with a time of 1:45.39.
The freshmen were part of a dominating Cougar team that won seven individual events and one relay event to upend the Pirates for the second straight season. A year ago, UH enjoyed a 105-63 win on Oct. 20, 2006, to push its season-opening winning streak to five straight dual matches.
Sophomore Donna MacLeod captured first place in the 1,000-yard freestyle with a time of 11:25.94 to finish more than 20 seconds ahead of her closest competitor.
Sophomore Jessica Shamburger, the 2006 Conference USA Freshman Swimmer of the Year, won the 100-yard freestyle with a time of 56.11.
Sophomore Linda Fox claimed top honors in the 500-yard freestyle with a time of 5:32.25.
The Cougars' 200-yard freestyle relay team of freshman Graves, Copeland, Shamburger and junior Doreen Polotzek capped UH's day with a first-place finish after posting a time of 1:45.39.
The swimming team will reunite with their diving counterparts and compete together Oct. 26-27 as they play host to BYU, Florida International, New Orleans and Conference USA rival Rice during the second Phill Hansel Duals Weekend. That two-day meet begins at 5 p.m., Oct. 26 and wraps up at 11 a.m., Oct. 27.
The meet is named after longtime Swimming and Diving head coach Phill Hansel, who led the program from 1975 to 1996, earning 70 dual-meet victories and three Southwest Conference Coach of the Year honors.
Bissett, competing in her first collegiate meet, won the 200-yard individual medley after a clocking of 2:19.08. The Rumson, N.J., native also finished first in the 100-yard backstroke with a time of 1:02.15.
However, she was just part of a Cougar newcomer attack. Freshman Brittany Copeland won the 50-yard freestyle competition with a time of 25.71, while Andrea Kells won the 100-yard butterfly with a time of 59.73.
Freshman Lindsey Graves swam the opening leg on the Cougars' 200-yard freestyle relay team that finished first with a time of 1:45.39.
The freshmen were part of a dominating Cougar team that won seven individual events and one relay event to upend the Pirates for the second straight season. A year ago, UH enjoyed a 105-63 win on Oct. 20, 2006, to push its season-opening winning streak to five straight dual matches.
Sophomore Donna MacLeod captured first place in the 1,000-yard freestyle with a time of 11:25.94 to finish more than 20 seconds ahead of her closest competitor.
Sophomore Jessica Shamburger, the 2006 Conference USA Freshman Swimmer of the Year, won the 100-yard freestyle with a time of 56.11.
Sophomore Linda Fox claimed top honors in the 500-yard freestyle with a time of 5:32.25.
The Cougars' 200-yard freestyle relay team of freshman Graves, Copeland, Shamburger and junior Doreen Polotzek capped UH's day with a first-place finish after posting a time of 1:45.39.
The swimming team will reunite with their diving counterparts and compete together Oct. 26-27 as they play host to BYU, Florida International, New Orleans and Conference USA rival Rice during the second Phill Hansel Duals Weekend. That two-day meet begins at 5 p.m., Oct. 26 and wraps up at 11 a.m., Oct. 27.
The meet is named after longtime Swimming and Diving head coach Phill Hansel, who led the program from 1975 to 1996, earning 70 dual-meet victories and three Southwest Conference Coach of the Year honors.
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Houston Swimming Opens Season Friday Evening at Southwestern University
(HOUSTON, TEXAS, October 11, 2007) The University of Houston swimming team opens its 2007-08 season at 5 p.m., Friday when it faces Southwestern at the Robertson Center Natatorium in Georgetown.
The Cougars return 11 letterwinners from last season¹s squad, which finished among the Top 25 team leaders at the NCAA Championships for the seventh consecutive season. The program also welcomes seven award-winning newcomers in 2007-08.
UH enters the meet after competing in its annual Red and White Meet on Wednesday at the Campus Recreation & Wellness Center Natatorium. The Red Team, under the leadership of team captain Doreen Polotzek, captured a 125-89 win to break a streak of four straight ties in the intrasquad scrimmage.
Junior Sasha Schwendenwein won three individual events, while Polotzek captured top honors in two events to lead the Red Team.
White Team member Jessica Shamburger, the 2007 Conference USA Freshman Swimmer of the Year, led her squad with a pair of first-place finishes.
Following Friday's meet, the Cougars will take two weeks off before returning to action. The entire team will compete together Oct. 26-27 as it plays host to BYU, Florida International, New Orleans and Conference USA rival Rice during the second Phill Hansel Duals Weekend. That two-day meet begins at 5 p.m., Oct. 26 and wraps up at 11 a.m., Oct. 27.
The meet is named after longtime Swimming and Diving head coach Phill Hansel, who led the program from 1975 to 1996, earning 70 dual-meet victories and three Southwest Conference Coach of the Year honors.
This marks the second straight season that the Cougars have faced the Pirates. A year ago, the Cougars enjoyed a 105-63 win to extend their season-opening winning streak to five straight meets.
The Cougars return 11 letterwinners from last season¹s squad, which finished among the Top 25 team leaders at the NCAA Championships for the seventh consecutive season. The program also welcomes seven award-winning newcomers in 2007-08.
UH enters the meet after competing in its annual Red and White Meet on Wednesday at the Campus Recreation & Wellness Center Natatorium. The Red Team, under the leadership of team captain Doreen Polotzek, captured a 125-89 win to break a streak of four straight ties in the intrasquad scrimmage.
Junior Sasha Schwendenwein won three individual events, while Polotzek captured top honors in two events to lead the Red Team.
White Team member Jessica Shamburger, the 2007 Conference USA Freshman Swimmer of the Year, led her squad with a pair of first-place finishes.
Following Friday's meet, the Cougars will take two weeks off before returning to action. The entire team will compete together Oct. 26-27 as it plays host to BYU, Florida International, New Orleans and Conference USA rival Rice during the second Phill Hansel Duals Weekend. That two-day meet begins at 5 p.m., Oct. 26 and wraps up at 11 a.m., Oct. 27.
The meet is named after longtime Swimming and Diving head coach Phill Hansel, who led the program from 1975 to 1996, earning 70 dual-meet victories and three Southwest Conference Coach of the Year honors.
This marks the second straight season that the Cougars have faced the Pirates. A year ago, the Cougars enjoyed a 105-63 win to extend their season-opening winning streak to five straight meets.
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Red Team Takes Win in Houston Swimming and Diving Meet
(HOUSTON, Texas, October 10, 2007) After four years of battling to a tie with their White Team counterparts, the Red Team finally broke through with a 125-89 win during the University of Houston swimming and diving team’s annual Red and White Meet on Wednesday afternoon at the Campus Recreation & Wellness Center Natatorium.
Under the leadership of Red Team captain Doreen Polotzek, Red Team members Sasha Schwendenwein, Michelle Hall, Linda Fox, Brittany Copeland, Courtney Forcucci, Markee Johnson and Paige Bissett enjoyed the first win in five years of the annual Red-White meet.
The previous four intrasquad scrimmages had ended in mysterious ties.
The White Team consisted of team captain Andrea Pa'lmai, Donna MacLeod, Jessica Shamburger, Kristine Kelly, Andrea Kells, Lacey Truelove and Lindsay Graves.
The Cougars competed in their first meet-like environment of the season with timers, judges and a meet announcer. However, the event remained laid back with off events like the 250-yard medley relay, 125-yard freestyle, 100-yard individual medley, 75-yard backstroke and 300-yard freestyle relay.
The Red Team claimed first place in all three relay events and six of the nine individual events to enjoy the win.
Individually, Schwendenwein led all swimmers during the meet with three first-place finishes. She won the 125-yard freestyle competition with a time of 1:10.94 and earned a similar finish in the 75-yard butterfly after posting a time of 43.42. The Randburg, South Africa, native finished her day with another first-place finish in the 300-yard individual medley with a time of 3:31.01.
Polotzek won the 100-yard individual medley with a time of 1:04.60 and finished first in the 75-yard breaststroke with a time of 52.80.
Freshman Brittany Copeland, competing in her first event as a Cougar, won the 75-yard freestyle with a time of 41.82 to help lead the Red Team.
White Team sophomore Jessica Shamburger, the 2007 Conference USA Freshman Swimmer of the Year, was the only member of her team to win multiple events, taking top honors in the 25-yard freestyle with a time of 11.95and in the 75-yard backstroke with a time of 43.49.
White Team sophomore Kristine Kelly finished first in the 800-yard freestyle with a clocking of 9:42.82. White Team freshman Lindsay Graves won the 350-yard freestyle with a time of 4:05.74.
The Cougar Swimming team opens the regular season at 5 p.m., Friday when it faces Southwestern in Georgetown.
The entire team will compete together Oct. 26-27 as it plays host to BYU, Florida International, New Orleans and Conference USA rival Rice during the second Phill Hansel Duals Weekend. That two-day meet begins at 5 p.m., Oct. 26 and wraps up at 11 a.m., Oct. 27.
The meet is named after longtime Swimming and Diving head coach Phill Hansel, who led the program from 1975 to 1996, earning 70 dual-meet victories and three Southwest Conference Coach of the Year honors.
Under the leadership of Red Team captain Doreen Polotzek, Red Team members Sasha Schwendenwein, Michelle Hall, Linda Fox, Brittany Copeland, Courtney Forcucci, Markee Johnson and Paige Bissett enjoyed the first win in five years of the annual Red-White meet.
The previous four intrasquad scrimmages had ended in mysterious ties.
The White Team consisted of team captain Andrea Pa'lmai, Donna MacLeod, Jessica Shamburger, Kristine Kelly, Andrea Kells, Lacey Truelove and Lindsay Graves.
The Cougars competed in their first meet-like environment of the season with timers, judges and a meet announcer. However, the event remained laid back with off events like the 250-yard medley relay, 125-yard freestyle, 100-yard individual medley, 75-yard backstroke and 300-yard freestyle relay.
The Red Team claimed first place in all three relay events and six of the nine individual events to enjoy the win.
Individually, Schwendenwein led all swimmers during the meet with three first-place finishes. She won the 125-yard freestyle competition with a time of 1:10.94 and earned a similar finish in the 75-yard butterfly after posting a time of 43.42. The Randburg, South Africa, native finished her day with another first-place finish in the 300-yard individual medley with a time of 3:31.01.
Polotzek won the 100-yard individual medley with a time of 1:04.60 and finished first in the 75-yard breaststroke with a time of 52.80.
Freshman Brittany Copeland, competing in her first event as a Cougar, won the 75-yard freestyle with a time of 41.82 to help lead the Red Team.
White Team sophomore Jessica Shamburger, the 2007 Conference USA Freshman Swimmer of the Year, was the only member of her team to win multiple events, taking top honors in the 25-yard freestyle with a time of 11.95and in the 75-yard backstroke with a time of 43.49.
White Team sophomore Kristine Kelly finished first in the 800-yard freestyle with a clocking of 9:42.82. White Team freshman Lindsay Graves won the 350-yard freestyle with a time of 4:05.74.
The Cougar Swimming team opens the regular season at 5 p.m., Friday when it faces Southwestern in Georgetown.
The entire team will compete together Oct. 26-27 as it plays host to BYU, Florida International, New Orleans and Conference USA rival Rice during the second Phill Hansel Duals Weekend. That two-day meet begins at 5 p.m., Oct. 26 and wraps up at 11 a.m., Oct. 27.
The meet is named after longtime Swimming and Diving head coach Phill Hansel, who led the program from 1975 to 1996, earning 70 dual-meet victories and three Southwest Conference Coach of the Year honors.
Tuesday, October 09, 2007
SMU's San Juan Cisneros Honored as Conference USA Swimmer of the Week
(IRVING, TX, October 9, 2007) Southern Methodist University’s Angela San Juan Cisneros is Conference USA’s first swimmer of the week for the 2007-08 season after helping set two pool records last weekend as the Mustangs won the Mean Green Relays.
The senior was part of the winning 400-yard medley and 400-yard freestyle relay teams that established new pool records, as well as helping the 300-yard butterfly relay team to a win.
San Juan Cisneros competed in three events at last week’s Mean Green relays, helping set new pool records in two.
The senior swam as part of the 400-yard medley relay team that set a new pool record by three and a half seconds (3:51.39). She was also part of the foursome that set a new pool record in the 400-yard freestyle relay. The squad bested the previous record by over 12 seconds (3:28.84).
In addition, the reigning C-USA Newcomer of the Year competed in the 300-yard butterfly relay, helping her squad to an almost-four second victory over TCU (2:52.41). The weekly award is the first for the 2007 All-American.
The senior was part of the winning 400-yard medley and 400-yard freestyle relay teams that established new pool records, as well as helping the 300-yard butterfly relay team to a win.
San Juan Cisneros competed in three events at last week’s Mean Green relays, helping set new pool records in two.
The senior swam as part of the 400-yard medley relay team that set a new pool record by three and a half seconds (3:51.39). She was also part of the foursome that set a new pool record in the 400-yard freestyle relay. The squad bested the previous record by over 12 seconds (3:28.84).
In addition, the reigning C-USA Newcomer of the Year competed in the 300-yard butterfly relay, helping her squad to an almost-four second victory over TCU (2:52.41). The weekly award is the first for the 2007 All-American.
Houston Cougars to Hold Red-White Intrasquad Meet
Saturday, October 06, 2007
Marion Jones Pleads Guilty to Lying to Feds
By Robert H. Kelly(WHITE PLAINS, NY, October 5, 2007) Olympic gold medalist Marion Jones pleaded guilty on Friday to lying to federal investigators about using steroids.
The three-time Olympic gold medalist also announced her retirement from the sport. In grand jury testimony, Jones had adamantly defended herself against allegations of steroid use before the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney, where she won five medals.
This humble reporter has followed Jones' career for a very long time, first observing her as a 17-year-old high school sprinter who made the Olympic team in 1992 as an alternate on the 4 X 100 sprint relay.
Over the years, I have watched her blaze down the track and destroy all comers in the sprints. Before the 2000 Olympics in Sydney, Australia, I remember watching her defend her the husband C.J. Hunter as he faced questions concerning his positive drug test prior to the Games.
At that time, I began to have my doubts about Jones. Her body was one big muscle and I felt at the time she was on performance-enhancing drugs. As time went on, I became more and more convinced that she was on something, no matter how many drug tests she passed. During the BALCO investigation, the evidence that I read pointed to her involvement. I remember thinking during all of this that "she was protesting way too much."
Well....now it all came to past today. She admitted that she did lie and was on performance-enhancing drugs in Sydney. She stated in a press conference that she did lie and she was retiring from track and field.
WOW....an athlete that admitted she cheated. I wonder why did she that? Did the feds have something else on her and offered her a deal? We may never find out. But one thing is certain. She will be stripped of her Olympic and World Championships medals, her performances removed from the record books, and she will do some time in a 6 foot by 8 foot prison cell.
This is all a shame. She had such a promissing career and felt she needed to cheat to compete. Hopefully she has learned a lesson that should have been drilled into her head at a young age. "Don't do the crime if you can't do the time."
I wonder how long until Barry Bonds has the same fate?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)