Fresno State Athletics
Swimming and Diving Kicks Off New Season
10/7/2002 12:00:00 AM | Swimming & Diving
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This Week
Fresno State will open its 2002-03 schedule with a dual meet at Central Unified Aquatics Aquatics Complex at East Central High School. It will be one of only three home meets for FS this season.
Young Bulldogs Hit Water
This season's FS squad is comprised of 22 freshmen and sophomores. Twelve if the 22, howeve, have a year of experience under their belt, though, led by backstroker Carolyn Wigginton and diver Ashleigh Raley.
USA Nationals
The Bulldogs competed at the "Phillips 66" USA Nationals earlier this year in March. Over the three days, Fresno State competed in the 400 free relay, 800 free relay and the 400 medley relay. The first event was the 400 relay (4:04.68) and the 'Dogs finished 22nd of 26 teams. On the second day, the women finished 21st of 26 teams in the 800 relay (8:49.73). The final day saw the Bulldogs finish 23rd of 31 teams in the 400 medley (4:33.11). Carolyn Wigginton, Katie Haney, Minja Mickelsen, Jennifer Palmberg, Jolene Valley and Melissa Johnson, sophomore Greer McGettrick and junior Jessica Klenner competed at the meet.
Diving Zones
Sophomore diver Ashleigh Raley is coming off competition in the NCAA "Zone E" Diving Championships earlier this year. Raley finished in 23rd in the 1-meter, and 30th in the 3-meter. She holds the FS record in the 3-meter dual (264.97), 1-meter dual (290.85), 1-meter champ. (251.65) and platform (338.95).
Records Revised
Collectively the Bulldogs set seven Fresno State records last season and of those, five were at the 2002 Western Athletic Conference Championships, including two relays, and two in diving and one individual swimming record. Sophomore Carolyn Wigginton broke 2001 graduate, Summir Case's record in the 200 back with her time of 2:02.14. Also, two relay records were set, in the 200 free relay (1:35.47) and the 800 free relay (7:34.15). Sophomore diver Ashleigh Raley set two Bulldog championship records with her dives in the 1-meter and platform. She recorded a score of 251.65 in the 1-meter at WAC and 338.95 in the platform. Last season, the two springboard dives only required six optional dives, versus 10 from years past. In addition, five all-time top five times were recorded.
2002 WAC Championships Review
Fourth place and 515 points, that's how the Bulldogs culminated their 2002 season. With a tremendous effort from the 17 freshmen, three sophomores, two juniors and one senior that made up the squad this season, the team fought back to surpass Hawai'i and claim fourth. In addition to setting five Fresno State records, four underclassmen set five all-time top five times. Other than her record in the 200 back, Wigginton also made the list in the 200 IM with a time of 2:07.54 to rank fifth. Also, freshman Jolene Valley tied for fifth in the 100 fly with a time of 57.88. Freshman Melissa Johnson stepped up with her leadoff time in the 800 free relay of 1:53.31, to rank fifth. Finally, McGettrick improved her third ranked time in the 100 breast from 1:05.57 to 1:05.52. Wigginton was also the only medal winner with her third place finish in the 200 back. The Bulldogs advanced to the final round in 12 of the 16 individual events. Southern Methodist was the winner for the sixth year in a row, with 828 points, Nevada was second (757), Rice third (541), San Jose State fifth (381) and Hawai'i finished in sixth (371).
Get Back
One word describes Carolyn Wigginton, "Backstroker". The sophomore touched the pad before numerous opponents last season, tallying 14 first place times - second on the team, eight second places and seven third places. Her 30 top three finishes led the team. She was the team leader in the 100 back (56.32) and 200 back (2:02.14). She recorded her personal-best in the 200 at the WAC Championships. Her time is also a NCAA "B" Standard , is a new Fresno State record. Wigginton also earned the only medal for the Bulldogs with her third place finish in the 100 back. She was ranked third in the WAC in the 100 and fifth in the 200 event heading into the championships.
Kickin' It in the WAC
The Bulldogs finished their 2002 regular season with 33 WAC top 10 performances and of those, 11 were in the top five. Sophomore Carolyn Wigginton ranked third in the 100 back with a time of 56.32. She also ranked fourth in the 200 back at 2:02.14 and 10th in the 200 IM with 2:07.54. Sophomore Ashleigh Raley finished second in both the 1-meter dual (290.85) and 1-meter championship (251.65). She was third in the 10-meter platform (338.95).
Head Coach Daniella Irle
Head swimming and diving coach Daniella Irle is in her 11th season at the helm of the Bulldogs. During her 10-plus seasons, she has accumulated an overall record of 93-33 (.738). In each of her nine out of 10 previous seasons, her teams have finished with a winning record. Also, each of the school records have been either broken or reset. Prior to her arrival at Fresno State, Irle was an assistant coach at Texas and Louisiana State University. She has also been a club head coach with Spindletop Swimming, a USA team based in Texas.
Depth Chart
Sprint Free: Melissa Johnson, Jennifer Palmberg, Julie Heaton, Jolene Valley
Distance Free: Jessica Klenner, Bethany Starkweather, Katie Haney, Kristin Leon, Jolene Valley, Dana Shaw
Butterfly: Kristi Collins, Tawne Fishback, Jolene Valley, Jessica Klenner, Kristin Leon, Nika Nakamoto, Lindsay Palmberg, Elizabeth Trujillo, Heather Twedt
Backstroke: Carolyn Wigginton, Kim Hitch, Julie Heaton
Breastroke: Greer McGettrick, Stacy Brock, Tawne Fishback, Rebecca Cannady, Sarah Batchelor, Cassandra Busay, Kathryn Easey
Individual Medley: Kristi Collins, Carolyn Wigginton, Stacy Brock, Bethany Starkweather, Kim Hitch
Diving: Ashleigh Raley, McKenzie Elston, Amanda Hooper
