2003 Synchronized Swimming Season Outlook – Ohio State Buckeyes
1/29/2003 12:00:00 AM | Artistic Swimming
The Ohio State synchronized swimming team kicks off the 2003 season after winning three-consecutive national championships from 2000-2002, under the guidance of head coach Linda Witter. While a bulk of the championship team from a year ago has graduated, namely Carolina Moraes, Isabela Moraes, Mary Hofer, Beth Kreimer and Kristin Price, the squad has a positive outlook and will focus on gaining more experience for its underclassmen.
SENIOR LEADERSHIP
The leadership of the 2003 Buckeye team will come from seniors Victoria Bowen, Suzanna Hyatt, Sharon Mejia, Katie Meyer and Kris Moyer.
“We have tremendous senior leadership this year,” Witter said. “Victoria and Suzanna are amazing. They show concern in this new team. We know we lost some amazing talent, but they always get the team to do the right thing. They are role models by example. That kind of leadership doesn’t get any better.”
Bowen and Hyatt finished fourth in the trio event at the 2002 Collegiate National Championships with former teammate Beth Kreimer. Bowen garnered her third All-America nod while Hyatt earned her second honor as a Buckeye.
SOLID SWIMMERS
Bowen and freshman Chelsea Luker are set to compete in the solo event for the Buckeyes this year. Luker and Hyatt are the frontrunners for the duet position while two groups of three are competing for the top spot in the trio event. Luker, Lauren Marsh and Carly Grimshaw make up one of the Buckeye trios. Bowen, Hyatt and Lindsay Newbill will also compete in the trio event, occasionally rotating with Emiko Takyu. The 2003 Ohio State ‘A’ team will consist of Bowen, Luker, Hyatt, Marsh, Newbill, Takyu, Grimshaw, Heather Burdick and Chisako Ukai. Sophomores Laura Green, Valerie Jolibois, Mary Elliott and Isla Turner have quality experience in the figures event while Stacey Coffman and Mejia have previous experience in the trio event. Marjorie Ardito and Bethany Galla also will look to contribute to the Buckeye effort this season.
YOUNG BUCKS
The Buckeye roster consists of 11 newcomers, including eight freshman faces. Sophomore Brianne Pineiro, originally from Staten Island, N.Y., spent her freshman year as a member of the Miami Hurricane swim team before transferring to Ohio State. Ukai, from Nagano City, Japan, and Takyu, a native of San Jose, Calif., also joined the Buckeye squad this season. The freshman class includes Jessica Beck, Lauren Byrom, Leslie Edgerton, Megan Mikulecky, Stephanie Raftery, Erin Schmidt, Luker and Grimshaw.
“This year will be a whole new experience for our freshmen and sophomore class, but they know the tradition of our program and they work hard every day in practice,” Witter said.
THE SCHEDULE
The Buckeyes begin the season by playing host to the OSU Tri-Meet, competing against Miami (Ohio) and Walsh. The OSU Tri-Meet is one of four home events for the Scarlet and Gray. The home slate includes a dual meet against Michigan (Jan. 25), the OSU College Association Meet (Feb. 8) and the North Regional Championships (March 1). The 2003 Collegiate National Championships are scheduled for March 24-27 in Tuscon, Ariz. The U.S. National Championships will be held April 24-27 in Long Island, N.Y.
POSITIVE ATTITUDE
Coach Witter and the Buckeyes have a positive outlook on the season despite being considered slight underdogs in the hunt for another Ohio State national championship in 2003.
“A team is only as good as your athletes are,” Witter said. “I enjoy working with them. They are very attentive and are all very eager to learn. They are quick to make corrections and they do anything I ask of them. It doesn’t come easy, but they are getting better each day.”
INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE
Ohio State synchronized swimmers Victoria Bowen, Suzanna Hyatt and Lindsay Newbill have been selected to the 2003 U.S. National Team II. The Buckeyes are three of 12 team members that will compete in various international events, including the 2003 Swiss Open and at the 2003 United Airlines Open July 15-19 in Federal Way, Wash.
