Men's swim/dive team adds 10

[Webmaster]

Men's swimming and diving adds 10 newcomers for fall

DALLAS (SMU) - As the SMU men’s swimming and diving program sets its sights on the 2005-2006 season, excitement runs high in adding one of the best classes in coach Eddie Sinnott’s 16-year reign as head coach to a talented group of returnees. The Mustangs are looking to the new class of 2009 to be the precipitant that leads the team right back to being one of the top dozen teams in the nation. Over the past 50 years, the Ponies have averaged an 11th-place finish at the NCAA Championships, and coaches Sinnott, Jim Stillson (diving) and Andy Kershaw (assistant coach) are very excited to continue that great tradition.

When asked about the incoming class of student-athletes, Kershaw stated, “When you consider the great accomplishments that have been achieved under Eddie’s reign, it is very exciting to think that this class is one of the most talented groups of newcomers walking on campus that he has ever had. We can’t wait to get the new season started and see what happens."

“We’re excited about the quality of athletic and academic performance that these men bring to the program," Sinnott said. " I believe this class will ensure our place in the top echelon of collegiate swimming for next four years. Everyone on the team is excited to welcome them to the great tradition of SMU Swimming and Diving.”

The class of newcomers consists of the following 10 student-athletes:

Alex Hetland (Oslo, Norway) Accomplishments: 50 br-27.6 (scm), 100 br-1:00.1 (scm), 100 IM-54.5 (scm), 200 IM-2:00.3(scm), 100 fly-54.3 (scm), fourth place at 2004 World S.C. Championships, European S.C. Championship finalist, bronze medal at 2004 Rio World Cup, holds three Norwegian national records, Over 20 Norwegian National Championship gold medals.

Luka Vrtovec (Maribor, Slovenia) Accomplishments: 50 fr-23.1 (lcm), 100 fr-51.1 (lcm), 50 fly-24.7 (lcm), 100 fly-56.1 (lcm), bronze medalist European Junior Championships

Michael Dmitriev (Ashdod, Israel) Accomlishments: 1500 fr-15:12 (scm), 800 fr-8:19.5 (lcm), 400 fr-4:02 (lcm), 11 Israeli national junior records, European S.C. Championship finalist

Mitchell Johnson (Birmingham, Ala.) Accomplishments: 200 br-2:04.5, 100 br-58.8, U.S. Open Qualifier, Junior National qualifier, Scholastic All-America, National Honor Society member

Nathan Clark (Baton Rouge, La.) Accomplishements: 200 IM-1:54.7, 400 IM-4:04.8, 100 fly-51.1, 200 fly-1:52.5, Louisiana H.S. Swimmer of the Year and Swimmer of the State Meet, Louisiana H.S. state record holder, Junior National Qualifier

Colton Ingraham (San Antonio, Texas) Accomplishments: 200 fr-1:43.7, 100 bk-53.6, 200 bk- 1:56.9, 200 fly-52.8, two-time All-America, four-year district champion, English Honor Society member

Chris Ginder (Southlake, Texas) Accomplishments: 500 fr-4:41.3, 1000 fr-9:33.8, 1650 fr-16:00, Junior National Qualifier, three-time Texas All-State member, USA Swimming Scholastic All-America, National Honor Society member

Jonathan Lane (San Antonio, Texas) Accomplishments: 100 br-59.9, 200 br-2:07.7, 200 IM-1:56.7, Texas H.S. State Meet Finalist, two-time H.S. All-American, four-time Texas H.S. All-State Member, SMU Presidential Scholar, three-time USA Swimming Scholastic All-America

Travis Callaghan (Louisville, Ky.) Accomplishments: 200 fr-1:47.9, 500 fr-4:48.8, 1000 fr-10:00.9, Kentucky H.S. state meet finalist, Top 4 in Kentucky State French Competition for four years

Daniel Veale (El Paso, Texas) Accomplishments: 100 fr-48.8, 200 fr-1:47.7, 200 IM-2:00.4, 100 fly-54.9, Texas H. S. District Champion, Academic All-America, All-Coronado Boy

[EastStang]

Some decent times and kids who look like they might be able to step in and help right away. Kudos to the coaches. Let's get back into the Top 10.

[AusTxPony]

Hey, Water Pony, what do you think of this recruiting class? Are their times good? Will they move us up the ladder?

[Water Pony]

Here is my take:

The Norwegian is a stud breaststroker and IM'er (the times are meters, which makes them more impressive.)

The Slovenian appears to be a very fast sprinter.

The Israeli has excellent distance times, which we could use.

And the breaststroker from Birmingham is very strong as is the IM'er from Louisiana.

Overall, great additions in breast, IM and distance Free.

On balance a very good class, but other guys will need greater development in college to contribute. The European are keeping us competitve.

Two observations, backtroke (my favorite) is not represented and WE STILL NEED A NEW Natatorium to recruit and train.

We are heading in the right direction but our recruiting will be better with success and facilities. Thanks, Eddie.

Go Mustangs!