The Seahawk

Issue date: 3/23/06 Section: Seahawk Sports

The men and women of the UNCW swim team took their fifth CAA championship in February, making it the first time the men and women have won in the same year.

As their school's name was announced, everything finally become clear. The seven straight months of 6 a.m. practices, weight lifting, cross training and afternoon practices suddenly all became worth it. As the chlorine from their hair mixed with their tears of joy, Head Coach Dave Allen's UNCW swimming and diving team had won the CAA championship-both the men and the women. It was the first time in the UNCW swimming history and the first time since 2001 in CAA history that both a men's and women's team had won from the same school the same year.

The CAA Championships started on Feb. 21, 2006, and it concluded with the Seahawk's triumph on Feb. 25. The meet was held at George Mason University in Fairfax, Va.

For the men, it has made it official; the UNCW men's swimming and diving team had became a dynasty with half of a decade as CAA Champions under their Speedo. From day one, the men dominated the pool. With a final score of 772 points, the Seahawks triumphed over George Mason's second place finish of 495 points.

Some outstanding top-eight finishes came from the team's upperclassman Adam Brenneman, Eric Boyer, Nate Chessey, Michael Krayer, Tim Lane, Matt Layne, Patrick McCarthy, Ben Pulskamp and Corey Sturmer. Diver Dean Berman also won both the men's diving events and was named the CAA's Outstanding Diver of the Year. The men's win was bittersweet for the seven Seahawk swimmers and Assistant Coach Dan Forester, who all ended their collegiate swimming and coaching careers, respectively, at the 2006 CAA Championships.

Freshman John Dozier said about his experience at the championships, "It was a great experience, coming into a team, winning, and knowing that you contributed."

As for the ladies, after several years of a championship ring barely slipping out of their hands, the ambitious UNCW team pulled an upset over reigning champions George Mason. The Seahawk's final score of 620.50 points drowned out GMU's 465 and William and Mary's 450. Sarah Beth Schooley, Rebekah Teague, Melissa Milstead and April Kersetter added crucial first places finishes that helped the women dive into victory.

As if two championship titles weren't enough, Dave Allen was also named both the men's and women's swim coach of the year and UNCW's Marc Ellington was also presented with the award for men's diving coach of the year.

For one of the most talented and hardworking teams on campus, and one of the most overlooked, it was a dream come true to have a duel win as a pay off.

"We sacrifice so much to be part of this team. We give up a majority of Christmas break, days off from school, going out, seeing our families on the weekends, and so many other activities," said Sarah Beth Schooley, women's co-captain. "But at the same time, we gain so much more. We [the men's and women's teams] have become a family. It isn't always easy, but when we stand together on the awards blocks as champions, it is all worth it."

Page 1 of 1

Article Tools