North Carolina State University Athletics
Wolfpack Swimming and Diving Kicks Off Season at Duke
10/14/2005 12:00:00 AM | Swimming
Oct. 14, 2005
RALEIGH, N.C. - The NC State men's and women's swimming and diving teams swim into action this weekend as it travels to Duke to take on the Blue Devils and William & Mary. The Wolfpack men are coming off of a 3-6 season and 2-4 mark in the ACC, while the women will look to add to its 6-5 mark and a 2-4 conference finish. The men return 15 swimmers from a season ago add att 11 freshmen to the mix, while the women add seven newcomers to the mix of 15 returning players. Last season the women defeated Duke 148-95, and the men won as well by a score of 136-101. The meet starts at 2 pm in Durham, N.C.
The men's team will be lead again by Cullen Jones, the returning two-time all-America and all-ACC selection who has won four ACC titles in his career. He won gold at the World University Games this summer in the 50 meter freestyle, setting a games record in the event with a 22.17 in the prelims, a mere half second off the world record.
Steven Cowling won the 100 backstroke at the ACC Championship last season after sitting out a year with an injury, and Kevin Velleca was close behind in the championships, finishing second in the event.
Dan Velez also returns, his 55.15 in the 100 breaststroke last season was the second fastest time in school history.
Peter Ranstead is eligible this season after transferring, and the sprinter should contribute immediately in the sprint freestyle events. His 20.19 in a time trial last season ranked among the top-100 swims nationally on the season.
The diving events should be strong for NC State this season, as a pair of freshmen should contribute immediately. Austin Hampton, who finished third at the Carolina Diving Invite last season, will look to dive his way into the ACC leaders, as will fellow freshman diver Scott Blackwelder.
