This is the first article of a four-part series previewing the Iowa State swimming and diving team going into the 2009-10 season. The season kicks off Friday at the annual intersquad meet at 6 p.m. at Beyer Pool. Admission is free.
AMES, Iowa- The ISU sprint freestylers will be a senior-laden group in the 2009-10 season. The Cyclones’ Frances Calzada won the 50 free in six of the 10 meets she competed in last season. Calzada’s fellow senior Abby Glaser ranks in the top-five in school history in the 50 and 100 free and another senior, Lindsey Behrens, holds a top-five time of her own in the 100 free.
Head coach Duane Sorenson, in his 13th season at Iowa State, is pleased to have such an experienced group leading the Cyclones.
“It really helps us,” Sorenson said. “Abby is our fastest returner, and Behrens and Frances are right behind her. Then in the 100 free Lindsey is our fastest coming back and right behind her are Abby and Frances so we are really strong in those events. Nan Liu is also an excellent 50 and 100 freestyler.”
Sorenson also has his eye on a couple of newcomers that could contribute in the shorter distances.
“We are looking at freshmen Sarah Norris and Dani Harris,” said Sorenson. “They have had a lot of experience in high school and club swimming the sprint free events so we are hoping they come through. We are thinking (junior) Kalyn Amundsen may have a breakout year.”
In the 200 free, Behrens became the second Cyclone to ever clock a sub 1:50 in the event. Junior Jenny Vondenkamp also posted fast times in the event last season and will be looked to for more contributions this season.
“Behrens was our top swimmer last year with Jenny right behind her and we expect that again,” said Sorenson. “This summer, Megan Thompson had awesome 200 free times so we are hoping that she comes through. Chelsea Tomek had a great meet at the Big 12’s last year that we are looking for her to carry over.”
The Cyclones distance swimmers had a big season last year and will look to keep up that momentum this season. Thompson and Vondenkamp both cracked the top five all-time in the 500 free. Vondenkamp placed seventh at the Big 12 Championships in the 1650 freestyle.
“In the 500, Megan and Jenny both had breakout years and we are looking for them to keep that up,” said Sorenson. “Jenny was top-eight in the mile at conference so we are looking for her to keep reaching up to that level. We are also looking for Chelsea and Taylor Vieau to step up in that event.”
