Marshall University Athletics
Swimming and Diving Prepares for MAC Championships
2/24/2005 12:00:00 AM | Women's Swimming and Diving
Swimming and Diving Prepares for MAC Championships
2/24/2005
2004-2005 Thundering Herd |
ATHENS, Ohio - The Marshall University swimming and diving team travels to Athens, Ohio to compete in the 2005 Mid-American Conference Championships. The meet is set to begin Thursday morning at 11 a.m. in the Ohio Aquatics Center.
Junior Milla Kuurto (Lohja, Finland) is expected to lead the way for the Herd. Going into championship weekend, Kuurto holds the fastest conference times for the year in three events: the 100-yard freestyle (51.63), the 100-yard butterfly (55.40) and 200-yard individual medley (2:05.10). Kuurto is the defending MAC Swimmer of the Year and the defending champion in the 100-yard freestyle, the 100-yard butterfly and the 200-yard butterfly. She also holds the MAC record in the 100-yard butterfly.
Another strong performer for the Thundering Herd this weekend is expected to be senior Erika Nilsson (Haninge, Sweden). Nilsson goes into the weekend having the top time in the MAC in the 500-yard freestyle (4:56.49) and is second in the 1000-yard freestyle (10:16.00) and the 1650-yard freestyle (17:10.20).
The Thundering Herd freshmen could be a strong force over the weekend as well. Renee Lambert (Morrelville, Tenn.) sets just behind teammate Nilsson in second place in the 500-yard freestyle (4:56.70) in the conference standings. Distance swimmers Danielle Chappelle (London, Ontario) and Ashley McIlvain (Brentwood, Tenn.) could also have an impact on the weekend.
The relay teams should also provide the Herd with strong performances. The 800-yard freestyle relay team of Kuurto, Lambert, Nilsson and Emily Edmonson (Chattanooga, Tenn.) holds the top spot in the conference with a time of 7:35.39.
After a strong regular season, junior Casey Mulholland (Stone Mountain Ga.) is expected to be a strong competitor on the boards this weekend.
Marshall finished its third season with a 10-5 record, going 3-5 in the MAC. The team finished ninth at the 2004 championships.
