Elms and Simmons Tie for Women’s Swimming Favorite

Elms College and Simmons College tied 2010-2011 pre-season polls for women’s swimming based on a vote from all GNAC coaches. The Simmons College Sharks are the reigning GNAC Champions for the past six seasons and eight in the past nine years.  Elms College Blazers trailed Simmons last year, coming in a close second place.

Rounding off the pre-season poll is #3 St. Joseph CT, #4 St. Joseph’s ME, #5 Norwich and #6 Husson

1. Elms (22) AND Simmons (22)
2. St. Joseph CT (18)
3. St. Joseph’s ME (12)
4. Norwich (10)
5. Husson (6)

1. Elms College (22)

The Blazers just came off one of their most successful seasons yet under head coach Bill Tyler. They finished in second place at the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) Championships, and placed 13th at the NEISDA Championships. The Blazers also won a program-best nine dual meets this season, including six straight to end the season prior to the NEISDA Championships. Coach Tyler was also named GNAC Coach of the Year for the third time in six years. Elms squad of 12 returners and 12 newcomers is led by captains, senior Theresa Pitassi and junior Katie Roberts. 2009-2010 GNAC Rookie of the Year, Tessa Dudunake, also returns for the Blazers after an incredible freshman season setting meet records and school records. Junior Ashley Arbo and Chalis Bird were also named GNAC Swimmer of the Week over the course of last season and competed on all four record-breaking squads.

1. Simmons College (22)

The Sharks return this year as the reigning 2009-2010 GNAC Champions for the sixth consecutive year. Led by Head Coach Mindy Williams, Simmons went on to finish 8th of 22 teams at the New England Intercollegiate Swimming and Diving Championship, the highest finish for the Sharks since 2003. Meanwhile, the Sharks shattered seven school records and four pool records last season. Although graduating three key contributors, Simmons will be led by the senior record-setting class including diving captain Amanda Dirksmeier, captain Virginia Bette and senior Nellie Jackson. Dirksmeier holds the Simmons record in 3-meter diving; Jackson will defend her GNAC title in the 100 Butterfly; and Bette will continue to dominate the backstroke, sprint and freestyle events.

3.St. Joseph CT (18)

The Blue Jays return to the season after placing third in 2009 Championship. They hope to continue their success this year with tremendous depth including a young roster with 13 freshmen and the experience of five senior returners under head coach Kieran Osgood.

4. St. Joseph (ME) (12)

The Monks will enter their third season led by head coach Rick Horr. St. Joseph's return five key swimmers in the 2010-2011 season including juniors Hannah Gajewski, Jamie Wojtkieqicz, Rose Maccarrone, Anne Roberts and sophomore Christine Cote. Gajewski holds nine records in individual events and Cote was named GNAC Rookie of the Week two times last season.

5. Norwich (10)

The Cadets look to a successful season under the reigns of head coach Laura Dunn. Led by two seniors, Brittany Burns and Ann Marie Vayda, Norwich will be a highly competitive team in the 2010-2011 season with five newcomers added to their roster.

6. Husson (6)

With a young yet experienced team, the Eagles look to come out strong in the 2010-2011 season under newly appointed Interim Head Coach Butch Babin. The Eagles are led by captains Bethany Beaulieu, Megan Call, Heather Mann, and Amanda Mason. Mason was last seasons GNAC Championships 200 Back Winner and selected to the 2009-2010 All-Tournament Team.