The University of New Mexico swimming and diving team has leapt head first into its 2002-03 season and shows no signs of looking back.
Off to one of its best starts in recent years, the Lobo swim program is showing signs of drastic improvement. Several UNM swimmers have compiled career-best times and have clinched several first-place finishes in early season races. The biggest surprise for the team is the consistency and weekly improvement of the talented freshman class.
The dynamic diving duo of sophomore Becca Barras and junior Tracey Berghian have risen to the top. The pair has picked up right where it left off at last season's conference meet, where Barras and Berghian finished in the top-5 in the one, three and 10-meter events.
"They are diving right now as well as they were at the end of last season," diving coach Jeff DiNicola said. "This weekend, they want to stay on top of the pack and stay undefeated."
UNM has a full slate of competition this weekend. They host a dual meet Thursday night and compete in the annual Lobo Invite Friday and Saturday.
Thursday, at UNM's Seidler Natatorium, the Lobos battle conference opponents San Diego State University, Brigham Young University and Northern Arizona University.
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"I would really like to beat SDSU and NAU because I think that is very possible," sophomore Lauren DouBrava said. "BYU is going to be a challenge, but I think we can compete in some races."
BYU is arguably the best squad in the four-team field and may be the best team UNM will face in the Mountain West Conference. The Cougars won the MWC Championships last year and are favored to repeat this year. BYU boasts three sensational senior swimmers who have won numerous individual accolades. Cortnee Adams is a three-time All-American and won 17 events last year. Tamber Covington is the reigning MWC Champion in the 200-meter breaststroke. Jamie Lambert is considered BYU's best overall swimmer and the defending 100- breaststroke champion of the MWC.
On the other hand, the Lobo divers are the squad to beat. Their deadly duo has not lost all year.
"I am expecting them to get first and second all weekend," DiNicola said.
Barras and Berghian have already qualified for the NCAA zone meet as individuals. Placing high at zones qualifies divers for the NCAA National Championships. The national championship is a meet the Lobo divers have yet to be a part of.
The Lobo Invite should attract quality swimmers from all over the West Coast and mountain region. Conference rivals SDSU and BYU will be present, while teams from Metro State University, Northern Colorado University and New Mexico State University will test the Lobo waters.
This is a non-conference meet and the Lobos would like to be at their best as they jump into the thick of the season.
The Lobo Invite will be held Friday and Saturday morning beginning at 8 a.m. in Seidler Natatorium.
