North Carolina State University Athletics
Poolside With Caroline Curran
10/31/2002 12:00:00 AM | Swimming
Oct. 31, 2002
This is the third in a series of entries that will follow throughout the season and provide an inside look into the NC State swimming and diving team as it works to achieve its goal of contending for a conference championship and go to the NCAA Championships. This week, senior co-captain Caroline Curran shares her thoughts on the Wolfpack's vigorous training schedule and her excitement about Saturday's meet versus JMU and UNC Wilmington.
Coming off a week of three meets in twice as many days, the team has refocused and has their eyes set on the bigger picture: The ACC championship in February. On Monday, training resumed with its normal vigor and intensity. With almost a week to focus entirely on training, the Pack has proven itself unrelenting as the challenges amass. The previous week was stressful, but it was a very important learning experience for the predominantly young squad. Speaking of youngsters- froshwoman Molly Culberson received the ACC swimming and diving performer of the week honors for her record-breaking performance at the ECU meet. This achievement is usually reserved for the likes of ACC champions, and is a huge step in the Pack's quest to reclaiming the ACC crown. Way to go Molly!
Armed with an NC State flag and a lot of Red Legend Pride we walked proudly into ECU's pool last Wednesday. Despite the scoreboard and the surreal one point loss that the women suffered, we walked out of the pool the same way. The Wolfpack was tired for the third swim meet in a series of four, and the Pirates were hungry for their first win of season. They were there to race- and race they did. On the men's side, the Wolfpack quickly prompted the tone of their racing when the 400-medley relay team of Steve Cowling, Rob Yeager, Scott Dettloff and John Hudson won the opening event. Sophomore Jack Deal came out of the meet victorious, as well as posting a season's best time in the 500 free in a race that showed immense character. Rob Yeager had a key win in the 200 breaststroke, while second place in the event went to junior transfer, Brian Pursley. Freshman TJ Ferguson provided crucial points by securing a victory on the 3-meter.
In the face of adversity, the women had some impressive performances, including senior co-captain Katie Sheridan with her "in your face ECU" win in the 200 freestyle immediately following the Wolfpack sweep of the 1000 freestyle led by Claire Nichols. Sophomore distance ace, Abby Lewis, had her break out performance of the season, as she secured the team's number one spot in the 500 free. As always, the ladies on the boards were glorious and provided key points for the team. Molly Culberson not only set the NC State record on the three-meter board, but she broke the ECU pool records on both boards.
Now back to training. During this small hiatus from dual meets, training has been both intense and exciting. This part of the season is plays a huge role in the success of the team in February. Come conference championships time, the Pack will be getting the job done in the pool, as well as in the weight room. Refusing to back off the training before any dual meets, the Pack prepares for this Saturday's non-conference match up the best way that we know how: 110% everyday. The non-conference match up features JMU and UNCW, who are both previous CAA conference champions, and will both provide some great races on both the women's and the men's side. However, I can assure you that the Pack is more than ready for that challenge.
Saturday, the men look to remain undefeated for the 4th straight meet, and the women look to improve to 5-2 on the season at 12:00 noon. GO PACK!
