Blue Devils sink Seahawks

The men's and women's swimming and diving teams did not have a scheduled meet during Parent's Weekend. So to compensate, the Blue Devils' first home meet of the season this past weekend against UNC-Wilmington served as a "parent's meet"--and a successful one at that.

"It turned out really well, and having so many people there cheering for us helped us step it up and race well to beat both UNCW teams," said senior Lauren Hancock, who claimed the 200 butterfly in 2:03.90. "That will be one of the most exciting meets I'll be a part of here."

Both squads, led by 25th-year head coach Bob Thompson, picked up their first win of the season over the Seahawks Saturday afternoon. The women, who won every event en route to a to a 157-81 pummeling, were led by dual-winners Jeanne DeWitt (diving) and freshman Jackie Rodriguez, who swum to victory in the 200 freestyle and the 200 breastroke.

"I was very pleased with my performances this weekend," Rodriguez said. "I went a lifetime best in the 200 free, although I don't swim that event too often. In the 200 breast, I went three seconds slower than at Maryland last Sunday although at Maryland I went a lifetime best (2:19.55)."

"Coach Thompson got us all really pumped for the meet, especially on the guy's side since he knew that it would be a competitive meet for us and we haven't beaten them for the past 2 years..." Rodriquez said. "He was extemely pleased with our performances and no one knew that we could put together such a fun and competitive meet. Lots of people were achieving in-season bests which really gets us excited for meets such as George Mason and ACCs where we will be rested and shaved."

Indeed, the outcome of the men's competition was in question until Duke swept the 200 breastroke and then snagged both relays.

Teddy Helfers monopolized the distance events, winning the 500 freestyle and the 1,000 freestyle, while John Humphrey captured the 200 freestyle and the 200 butterfly. Other individual winners included Jay Ashenfelter in the 200 IM and Kevin Arthofer in the 200 breastroke.

"This was a great way to start the season," Humphrey said. "We have been training for the majority of the season, so it was nice to finally show what we can do in our own pool, especially for all of our family and friends."

And their prospects have risen considerably.

"I believe for the first time in probably 20 years we have a chance at beating one, two, maybe even three ACC schools in February, along with competing at a higher level in dual meets with them later on this season," Hancock said. "It's so exciting to be a part of this program, and I've watched it improve so much over the past 3 years. We are training and competing at unbelievable levels already this year--I hope to see several NCAA B qualifiers on both squads after our shave meet later this month."