GEORGETOWN, Texas - In just their 14th season of existence at Southwestern the men's and women's swimming teams are looking to build off the solid foundation started by the previous coaches and teams and make waves in the SCAC and national scene under the direction of new Pirate head coach, Jon Duncan.
"We are still a very young program that hasn't reached its full potential yet," shares Coach Duncan. "Being involved in the SCAC for eight years I have seen SU as an institution and program that hasn't even scratched the surface of what can achieved here."
Duncan has a great base to build from, particularly on the women's side with Sarah Ayers. Ayers was the SCAC Event Champion in the 100 back and first All-American swimmer for Southwestern after finishing in seventh place at the NCAA Championships last season.
"Sarah has high goals for her senior year and definitely going back to nationals to improve her times is one of those," says Duncan. "She is a senior captain, great leader and role model for our program, particularly our underclassmen. She works hard and really leads by example and the team has a lot of respect for her. It has been great coming into the program with an individual like Sarah."
The women return eight swimmers from a team that finished in sixth place at the SCAC Championships while the men return four immensely talented athletes from a team that finished in eighth. "Everyone is going to have a chance to participate in conference and it should be fun. The women have a very good shot of moving up into the top four this year while the men may be lacking depth to make big strides as a team, but will have some really good performances and might surprise some people."
The Pirates open the season on Saturday at home as they host the University of Texas Permian Basin at 2pm. While roster size will keep SU from making an upset bid, individually the Pirates are capable of putting up some strong swim times early in the year. "Each swimmer will be swimming their best 2-3 events and, while we are not looking for any top times this early in the season, I think some of the swimmers might surprise themselves."
Southwestern then has three more dual meets against Trinity, McMurry and Colorado College before heading to the Southwest Shootout in Southlake, Texas on November 18-19. "The Southwest Shootout is a halfway point and will allow us to evaluate where everyone is to see if we need to step it up a bit or switch some things around."
Following the Shootout the Pirates participate in two more invitationals and one dual meet before closing out the regular season at the SCAC Championships on February 16-18 in Rockwall, Texas.
"My main focus so far this season has been to gain the trust of the team by keeping the system the same but making some minimal changes that will have dramatic effects," states Coach Duncan. "I want them to know that academics, as it will always be at Southwestern, is the most important thing but that they can continue swimming here and get faster while still having a social life and having fun. We like to goof around a little bit but also know when it is time to get serious and focus."
"The team is very young and we have some swimmers that can improve tremendously. The key is to get them to believe in themselves and with hard work they can reach staggering new heights."