October 26, 2007

SWIMMING READY TO GO:  BULLDOGS OPEN SEASON SATURDAY HOSTING ROGER WILLIAMS

SMITHFIELD, RI -   The Bryant men's and women's swimming teams open the 2007-08 season this Saturday hosting Roger Williams University in a dual meet at the Chace Athletic Center pool.  The meet will kick off at 11 a.m.  The Bulldogs travel to the Bentley Invitational on Saturday. 

Fresh off one of the program's most successful season, third-year coach Katie Cameron returns a strong nucleus of veterans plus a strong cast of newcomers looking to turn the Bulldogs into a contender in the Northeast-10 Conference. 

A year ago saw the Bulldogs make several huge strides in only the two program's second year competing as a varsity sport.   The men's swimming team placed fifth at the Northeast-10 Conference Championships and the women took home fourth place.  In the spring, the women's team wrapped up the incredible season with a third place finish at the New England Championships while the men closed out the year with an impressive eighth place finish. 

Sophomore John Cieslewski is back to lead the men's team into the new season.  Last year Cieslewski became Bryant's first New England champion by capturing the 50 yard breaststroke.  He'll be favored to make a run at the conference championships in the 50 and several other events. 

Senior Ray Savner is back and owner of the school records in the 50 and 100 while seniors Jamie MacDougall and James Newton have excellent experience. Ohio State transfer Tom Ferrigno will give the team a boost in the 500 and 1,000 free while freshman Steven Nguyen is a highly touted newcomer looking to shine in his first year at Bryant. 

On the women's side, Jessica Looney established herself as one of the best newcomers in the conference.  In just her first season, Looney set several school records during the course of the season, concluding the year with a second-place finish in the 200 backstroke and first in the 400 individual medley. 

Sophomore Margaret Dickinson holds the Bryant IM record and returns looking to lead the Bulldogs once again.  Newcomers Amy Howell and Jill Hira will be counted on to add depth in the free.