Fresno State Athletics
Swimming Completes 2001-02 Season
3/25/2002 12:00:00 AM | Swimming & Diving
March 25, 2002
FRESNO, Calif. -
Swimming and Diving Final Release
USA Nationals
The Bulldogs competed at the "Phillips 66" USA Nationals, March 21-24. 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). Freshmen 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
The trio of divers, sophomore Nicole Recupito and freshmen Ashleigh Raley and Lindsey Paulekas competed in the NCAA "Zone E" Diving Championships. March 14-16, at Stanford. Raley finished in 23rd in the 1-meter, and 30th in the 3-meter. Recupito was 23rd in the platform and 41st in 3-meter, while Paulekas was 24th in platform and 37th in 3-meter.
Records Revised
Collectively the Bulldogs set seven Fresno State records this 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. Freshman 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). Freshman 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. This 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 freshman touched the pad before numerous opponents this 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. Freshman 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. Senior Jesie Lewis was eighth in both the 50 free (23.85) and 100 free (52.13). Freshman 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).
Who's Who in the WAC
Southern Methodist was the leader in the WAC as it ranked ninth in the College Swimming Coaches Athletic Association (CSCAA), with 133 points as of March 1. The following WAC honors were awarded at the Championships: Swimming Coach of the Year, Mike Schrader (Nevada), Diving Coach of the Year, Mike Brown (Hawai'i), Freshman of the Year, Falia Rigamonti (SMU), Swimmer of the Year, Mandy Mularz (Rice), Diver of the Year, Maggie Roberts (Hawai'i) and Katie Oiness (Nevada).
Head Coach Daniella Irle
Head swimming and diving coach Daniella Irle is in her 10th season at the helm of the Bulldogs. During her nine-plus seasons, she has accumulated an overall record of 93-33 (.738). In each of her nine 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.
Bulldog Notes
* The Bulldogs ended the regular season with a 6-6 dual-meet record * Head coach Daniella Irle has coached her teams to nine winning seasons in 10 years. Her career record stands at 93-33 (.738) * The team tallied 250 top three finishes, including 77 first places * Five Bulldogs earned more than 20 top three finishes * Freshman Carolyn Wigginton led the team in top three finishes with 30 * Wigginton is ranked 37th in the CollegeSwimming.com "BIG LIST" with her time of 56.32 in the 100 back * All three divers qualified for NCAA zones with their scores on the 1-meter springboard * FS tallied 33 WAC regular season top 10 performances, 11 were top five * Freshman diver Ashleigh Raley set four school records: 1-meter (290.85) and 3-meter (264.97), 1-meter championship (251.65), platform (338.95) * As a four-time Swimmer/Diver of the Meet honoree, junior Jessica Klenner, led the team in the 500, 1000 free and the 400 IM * The 2001-02 Bulldogs had 20 underclassmen and three upperclassmen * 11 of the 23 members made the fall Deans List * All 25 Fresno State records have been broken under Irle's tenure * Since the program's inception in 1971, the team's have earned a collective record of 185-110 (.629) * The squad had three record holders competing. Other than Raley, senior Jesie Lewis holds individual records in both the 50 free (23.76) and 100 free (51.55) and Carolyn Wigginton in the 200 back (2:02.14) * In addition, five Bulldogs are ranked in the all-time top five. They are Lewis, Raley, McGettrick, Johnson and Valley * Lewis leads the team with 94 career top three finishes * Head diving coach, Chunhua Zhao has had NCAA Zone Champion qualifiers each of her three seasons at Fresno State. * Of the 19 semesters under coach Irle, the 'Dogs have earned a team GPA above a 3.0, 15 times * Six underclassmen lead the 'Dogs in 14 events * The Bulldogs have 14 California natives and nine out-of-state team members. Of those outside of California, two are from Texas and Oregon, and one each are from Indiana, Alaska, New Mexico, Wyoming and Washington
Also,
* 62 lifetime-bests * Seven U.S. Open qualifiers, 18 Bonus National Cuts, three National cuts * Seven new school records in 2002 * Six new all-time top five times * Four NCAA Qualifiers in three events * Third-highest GPA in Program History * 13th in Nation Academically * 250 top three finishes * After 18 meets, the team collectively earned 77 first place finishes, 82 second place finishes, 91 third place finishes * Fresno State earned a fall team GPA of 3.214 * The GPA has ranked in the Top 50, five times in the last six seasons
2001-02 Athlete Notes
Jessica Baham (Fr., Breast/Free): Ranks fifth on the team in the 100 breast (1:10.44), fifth in the 200 breast (2:29.78).
Stacy Brock (Fr., Breast/IM): Tallied eight top three finishes, including four second places and four third places ... was 18th in the 100 breast (1:07.82), 15th in the 200 breast (2:23.89)... ranks third on the team in the 100 breast (1:07.82), second in the 200 breast (2:09.57) and fifth in the 400 IM (4:47.82) ... fall Deans List.
Rebecca Cannady (Fr., Breast): Personal-best times of 2:43.77-200 breast, 1:14.26-100 breast, 27.53-50 free, 2:15.64-200 free ... fall Deans List.
Kristi Collins (So., Fly/IM): Earned 14 top three finishes, of which three were first places, five were second and six were third places ... member of the "3.0" club for the Fall semester ... second on the team in the 200 fly (2:09.16), 100 breast (1:06.18) and 200 IM (2:09.57), fourth in the 200 breast (2:28.04) ... ranks 16th in the WAC for the 100 fly, 12th in the 200 fly and 16th in the 200 IM.
Cassandra Eckart (Back/Free): Recorded personal-best time of 2:13.27 in the 200 back, fifth on the team, also fifth in the 100 back (1:02.63) ... made the "3.0 Club" for the fall semester.
Tawne Fishback (Fr., Sprint Fly/Breast): Tallied three top three finishes, with one each of first, second and third places ... second on the team in the 100 fly (58.89), third in the 200 breast (2:26.70) and fourth in the 100 breast (1:08.08) ... ranked 13th in the WAC in the 100 fly ... fall Deans List.
Katie Haney (Fr., Back/IM): Recorded four top three finishes, including two each in second and third places ... leads the team in the 1650 free (17:20.10), third in the 1000 free (10:50.57) ... ranked 6th in the 1650 free.
Kim Hitch (Fr., Back/IM): Ended the season with five top three finishes, two second places and three third ... second on the team in the 100 and 200 back with times of 59.34, 2:06.68 ... third in the 400 IM (4:38.34) and fourth in the 200 IM (2:15.05) ... ranked 10th in the 100 and 200 back ... fall Deans List.
Jessica Jimenez (Fr., Fly/Free): Finished with four third places ... fourth on the team in the 100 fly (1:00.96), 200 fly (2:14.12) and 200 back (2:10.77) ... ranks 18th in the WAC for the 200 fly and 200 back ... fall Deans List.
Melissa Johnson (Fr., Sprint/Mid Free): Had 10 first place finishes on the season, which was third on the team ... team leader in the 200 free (1:53.31lo) ... leadoff in the record-setting 200 free relay (24.42) and 800 free relay (1:53.31) ... 9th in the 100 free and 10th in the 200 free in the WAC ... named Swimmer/Diver of the Meet Oct. 13.
Jessica Klenner (Jr., Distance Free/Fly): Third on the team in top three finishes with 25, has seven first places ...had three WAC Top 10 times ... ranked 7th in the 1650 free with a time of 17:24.87, in the 500 free-10th (5:02.96) and 1000 free-seventh(10:30.52)... named Swimmer/Diver of the Meet four times, Jan. 26, Nov. 2, 10 and 29 ... team leader in the 500 free, 1000 free and 400 IM ... fall Deans List.
Kristin Leon (Fr., Distance Free/Fly): Fourth on the team in the 500 (5:09.75), 1000 free (10:53.36), and in the 1650 free (17:40.80) ... fall Deans List.
Jesie Lewis (Sr., Sprint/Mid. Free): Second on the team in FS top three finishes with 26, including 10 first place captures, fourth-most on the squad ... also is the team leader in the 50 free (24.11) and 100 free (52.13) ... ranks eighth in the WAC in both the 50 and 100 free... owns the school record in the 50 free (23.76) and the 100 free (51.55), record relay team member in the 200 free, 400 free, 800 free relays ... 2001 Mr. Bulldog Designee ... Swimmer/Diver of the Meet, twice, Oct. 19, Nov. 29 ... :3.0 Club" fall semester.
Greer McGettrick (So., Breast/Free): Fifth on the team in top three finishes with 16 ... ranks ninth on the WAC Top 25 list in the 100 breaststroke (1:05.52, 12th in the 200 breast (2:21.30) ... team leader in both events ... is third all-time in the 100 breast (1:05.52) and fourth all-time in the 200 breast (2:20.72) ... "3.0 Club" fall semester.
Minja Mickelsen (Fr., Free/Back): Seventh on the team in top three finishes with 14 ... second in the 200 free (1:55.49), third on the team in the 100 back (59.65), third in the 200 back (2:09.70) ... member of two record-setting relays, 200 free and 800 free ... ranked 11th in the WAC in the 100 back (59.65) and 14th in the 200 back ... Swimmer/Diver of the Meet, Nov. 29 ... "3.0 Club" fall semester.
Jennifer Palmberg (Fr., Sprint): Tallied six top three finishes, three each of second and third places ... third on the team in the 50 (24.47) and third in the 100 free (53.14) ... member of the record-setting 200 free relay ... 17th in the WAC in the 50 ... Swimmer/Diver of the Meet vs. SJSU ... :3.0 Club" for fall semester.
Lindsey Paulekas (Fr., Diving): NCAA Zones Qualifier in the 1-meter (282.525) ... 15 top three finishes, 10 second places ... ranks fifth in the WAC in the 1M, 17th in the 3M (245.10), seventh in the platform (256.35) ... fall Deans List.
Ashleigh Raley (Fr., Diving): Fourth on the team in top three finishes with 24, leads in first place finishes, 17 ... team leader in all diving events ... NCAA Zones Qualifier in the 1-meter ... FS record holder in the 3-meter dual (264.97), 1-meter dual (290.85), 1-meter champ. (251.65) and platform (338.95) ... Four-time Swimmer/Diver of the Meet: Jan. 26,12, Nov. 2, and Oct. 6 ... fall Deans List.
Nicole Recupito (So., Diving): NCAA Zones Qualifier in the 1-meter (263.175) ... earned 15 top three finishes, 13 third places ... 12th in the WAC for the 1M, 15th in the 3M (249.83) and 3rd in platform (240.00).
Bethany Starkweather (Jr., IM/Back): Has eight top three finishes this season ... second on the team in the 400 IM (4:34.69) and 1000 free (10:41.49) ... also third on the team in the 500 free (5:05.52)... 13th in the 400 IM in the WAC, 13th in 1000 free, 16th in the 1650 free ... Swimmer/Diver of the Meet, Feb. 5.
Jolene Valley (Fr., Fly/Free): Totaled 12 top three times ... led the team in the 100 and 200 fly (57.88, 2:05.07), time in the 100 is fifth all-time ... ranked eighth in the 200 fly, 10th in the WAC for 100 fly ... "3.0 Club" fall semester.
Carolyn Wigginton (Fr., Back/IM): Record holder in the 200 back (2:02.14), second all-time in 100 back (56.32) ... team leader in top three finishes with 30, second in firsts with 14 ... ranked 37th in the "BIG LIST" of CollegeSwimming.com for the 100 back time ... captured the team's only medal at WAC, with a third place in the 100 back ... ranked third in the WAC in the 100 back (56.32) and fourth in the 200 (2:02.14), team leader in the same events, also leads the 200 IM (2:07.54) ... Swimmer/Diver of the Meet Nov. 3 ... fall Deans List.
Alicia Wilson (Fr., Sprint Free): Personal-best times in the 50 (26.70), 100 (56.28), 200 free (2:03.60) and 1:06.17 in the 100 back ... "3.0 Club" fall semester.
