The Lock Haven University swimming team will be in action this weekend at Millersville University. It marks the first dual of the season as the Bald Eagles will dive into 2019-20 action at 1 p.m.
NEW HEAD COACH:
On September 30,
Brian Hein was named LHU's new head swimming coach. Hein brings with him a wealth of knowledge, thanks to a decorated coaching background that has seen him coach at many levels including NCAA Division II, elite club and high school programs. Most recently, Hein served as the head coach of the Razorback Aquatic Club in Fayetteville, Arkansas. During his tenure there, he guided the boys' youth (11-12 aged group) program to a top-five national ranking. Overall, 18 team records were broken and a number of swimmers qualified for sectionals. Hein also guided one athlete to USA Swimming Nationals.
Full release on Hein's hire.
TUNING UP:
LHU recently took a trip to tune up for the dual-meet season with a relay only meet at Millersville (Sat, Oct. 5). Lock Haven competed alongside host-Millersville as well as East Stroudsburg and Kutztown. The Bald Eagles finished among the top-three in 8 of 10 relay events and placed second in both the 500-yard freestyle relay and the 1,500-yard freestyle relay.
STANDOUT RETURN:
Senior
Kristin Allen leads the way for Lock Haven as she returns with veteran championship experience. Last season, Allen qualified for the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Championships in four individual events.
THE 2019-20 ROSTER:
Kristin Allen is LHU's only senior and the roster features a pair of juniors in
Kandace Loup and
Kirsten Pugh.
Loana Herrera-Tapia is a sophomore for the Bald Eagles.
NEW FACES:
The roster is rookie dominated as the Bald Eagles welcome nine freshmen in
Lily Arledge,
Sol Asparria,
Kacey Berardinelly,
Mikaela Clemson,
Madison Griffin,
Elizabeth Lyden,
Ali McCurdy,
Abagail Monaghan and
Lauren Mummert.
QUOTE IT:
Here is what first-year head coach Brian Hein had to say …
How is the training going so far?
"Coming into the season late, the challenge is to see how quickly the swimmers can adjust to the new training. We have thrown a lot at them and we are already starting to see results. The swimmers have done an excellent job in terms of processing the sets, as well as performing during them."
What are you expectations for Saturday?
"I am expecting to see the swimmers work at the little things and race hard this weekend. They will be somewhat tired from training, but I am looking forward to seeing where they are to this point."
What's the long term goal for the team in your first year?
"We are laying the groundwork to build toward the future this year. We have a good group of returning and new swimmers who can help 'set the table' for the future here at Lock Haven. We plan on dropping times throughout the season and taking as many swimmers as possible to PSAC's this year."
WHAT TO LOOK FOR:
- On Saturday at Millersville, it looks like Loup and Mummert will represent Lock Haven in the distance swims.
- Allen & Herrera-Tapia are projected to represent LHU in the butterfly.
- Griffin has potential in the backstroke.
- Berardinelli & Arledge could see some swims in the breaststroke events.
- Lyden, Monaghan and Pugh look to pace the sprinters.
THE ROAD AHEAD:
Saturday's dual with Millersville marks the first of four straight dual meets for the Bald Eagles. Following Saturday's action at Millersville, Lock Haven will compete at home in three straight duals vs. Kutztown (Oct. 26), California, Pa. (Nov. 9) and East Stroudsburg (No. 16). Lock Haven will cap the 2019 calendar portion of the 2019-20 schedule at the Wooster Swimming Invitational on December 5-7. The Bald Eagles will open the new year ('20) on January 5 in Florida.
FULL SCHEDULE:
UP NEXT:
On Saturday, October 26, Lock Haven will host Kutztown in dual-meet action at 1 p.m. in Zimmerli Poll.
