BY CSTV.com

2007-08 Swimming and Diving Preview
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - The 2007-08 Fighting Illini swimming and diving team will offer a different look compared with the previous couple of seasons. ...

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - The 2007-08 Fighting Illini swimming and diving team will offer a different look compared with the previous couple of seasons. A young core of 19 underclassmen will look to help replace one of the most talented classes to graduate in school history. Their development has been a direct result of the work ethic in dry dock, weight room and in water training regimens. That dedication has been instilled by nine upperclassmen continuing to build on strong traditions of team leadership.

"With the leadership we had from last year's graduating class, it was difficult for the current upperclassmen to exert themselves as leaders," head coach Sue Novitsky explained. "It's pretty exciting to see a large group of girls stepping up and starting to build team chemistry right away. Everyday the girls are coming to practice ready to work. They create a comfortable learning environment for the younger girls to develop."

Besides leadership, the upperclassmen return solid meet experience for the 2007-08 campaign. Junior Marissa Clapp heads the Illini lineup after racking up 15 first place finishes a year ago and qualifying for the U.S. senior national championships in the 200 breast, 200 IM and 400 medley relay over the summer. Fellow juniors Ali Keehn and Lindsey Shirley, along with sophomore CeCe Marizu, gained valuable experience swimming with Clapp on the 400 medley relay.

"The girls with experience are vital to our success this season" Novitsky said. "They have been successful at this level and realize what they are capable of doing. Also, they know what to expect at meets and should be help the younger girls."

The seasoned veterans will be guiding eight hardworking freshmen that join this year's team. Coming from a variety of backgrounds they have used their time wisely on campus, balancing training and academics.

"The freshmen are progressing well; week to week we are seeing improvement." Novitsky said. "They know they have an opportunity to get some valuable experience this season and are working hard to prove they deserve that opportunity. We have stressed the importance of time management in college to the girls and they have responded well."

With uncertainty at many spots going into the year, the coaching staff is using open competition at practice to fuel the team's development and create opportunities for success.

"Challenging individuals is important to seeing what the team is capable of accomplishing," Novitsky declared. "Competition in practice prepares the girls to be confident and ready to swim their race when that first meet comes. We are hoping they seize the challenge and push themselves beyond what they expected."

Sprint Freestyle- With five of last year's seven graduating seniors competing in sprint freestyle events, including Barbie Viney, the school record holder in the 50 and 100 free, and Meghan Farrell second all-time behind Viney. This year's sprint freestylers will attempt to provide stability for the Illini. Junior Katie Theissen, along with sophomores Amy and Anna Johnson provide returning experience. Freshmen newcomers Sara Stoneburg and Meghan Mason will have the opportunity to compete immediately and should have a significant impact this season.

Middle Distance - After losing Viney, the school record holder in the 200 free, along with Caroline Moore to graduation senior Kellie Stevens (10th place all-time in 200 free) and junior Lindsey Shirley (eight place all-time in 500 free) will help lead the Illini. Both have had solid experience and spent the summer on campus to fully prepare for the season. Theissen along with sophomores Amy Forsberg, Kristen Kloeckener, Kelly Smithwick and freshman Ann Miller will be competing for spots in the 200 and 500 free events.

Distance - One of closest and hardest working group's returns a solid core of swimmers. After two excellent seasons, Shirley should return to form. Forsberg, Kloeckener, and Smithwick will also compete in the discipline for the Illini this season. All gained valuable experience during their freshman season and look poised for breakout swims this year.

Backstroke - Seniors Meghan Bradley and Mallory Craft will lead the Illini in the discipline after losing Farrell and Moore. Competition for the remaining backstroke spots will rely heavily on sophomores Morgan Gilman, Anna Johnson and CeCe Marizu.

Breaststroke - Clapp will headline the group for the Illini after an impressive start to her career. Amy Johnson follow up a solid freshman season in which she competed in the breaststroke in every regular season competition. Freshmen Rebecca DeSalle and Ann Miller will provide support in the discipline.

Butterfly - After breaking into the top-ten individual butterfly times in school history, junior Ali Keehn and sophomore Jen Ivarson will provide consistency for the Illini. Miller and Smithwick will shore up the 200 fly. Sophomore Courtney Spivak had a productive summer of training and is primed for some breakthrough swims.

Individual Medley - Three swimmers with top-ten IM times in school history will compete for the Illini in 2007-08. Clapp sits in fourth place in 200 free and third place in 400 IM. Theissen holds the eighth fastest time in the 200 free and Ivarson sits in 10th place in the 400 IM. Clapp will participate in both events; while Theissen will compete in the 200 IM and Ivarson will participate in the 400 IM. Marizu will round out the 200 IM and Miller will be a strong addition to the 400 IM.

"We are pretty strong in the individual medley area this year. It's pretty comforting that we have members of our team that versatile in all four strokes," Novitsky said. "It helps us as coaches to find the right spots for our swimmers to succeed."

Relays-The loss of seniors really impacted the relays, especially the 200 and 400 free relays. They were comprised completely of seniors a year ago and will be a source of open competition this season.

"Revamping our relays provides great opportunities for people to step into some of those openings and prove themselves," Novitsky explained. "Our policy is that if you are the hot swimmer you are going to be swimming in those relays and have the opportunity to secure your spot, but you have to earn that opportunity. Stopped at 7:28."

Diving - Entering his second season with the Illini as diving coach Chris Waters is excited about the prospects for the season.

"Last season was definitely a transition year. I was a new coach and it took some for the girls to get accustomed to the way I approach diving," waters said. "This year we seem to be on the same page and are focused on putting together a terrific season. We have set a number individual and team goals. Now it just takes a little faith and these girls have it in spades."

Senior Abbey Bernardo looked to be the top returning diver, but an injury may limit her time on the board. Sophomores Kyla Bachtell and Nikki Spillone both gained valuable experience competing in every meet for the Illini. Freshman Mary Johnston is a good athlete and should progress as the season continues.

Bachtell and Spillone will be called upon to provide the consistency for the divers. Waters is confident they can do just that.

"Bachtell landed on the top 10 list in the one meter last season and decided to stay and train in Champaign over the summer. She has a ton of talent made some big strides this off season. Spillone brings an immense amount of enthusiasm to practice everyday. She has the confidence and the ability to reach the goals we have set."

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