BAKERSFIELD, Calif.-- After beginning the 2014-15 swimming and diving season last weekend in Arizona, Bakersfield returns home as its programs kick off the home schedule with a dual against Pacific. The 'Runners and Tigers will battle it out at the Hillman Aquatics Complex on campus, Saturday, Oct. 25.
“Pacific is always a tough meet,” said Chris Hansen, Bakersfield's Director of Swimming. “In the past, we have dominated when we are at home and Pacific has dominated at their house. They have a great recruiting class on both the women's and men's teams this year. We will need to step it up.” Both of Hansen's squads lost to Pacific in Stockton last season, but the men only fell by 34 points while the women were even closer with just a 24-point deficit.
After being named WAC Diver of the Week for her performance against Grand Canyon, Carlee Burks (So., Bakersfield, Calif., Centennial HS) will look to help the 'Runners pick up a win at home. Burks won the 3-meter last weekend and took second in the 1-meter. Hansen knows that one athlete does not a team make, so Burks will need help from several key women in order for the 'Runners to take this dual: “The women's meet will be very close. Everyone will have a race. Michaela Paige and Paola Hernandez will have a couple of strong races. Nicolette Goncalves, Lucy Sanderson, and Felicia Zamora will play very important roles.”
“On the men's side, Mitchell Huxhold will look to continue his domination in the distance events while Mihael Vukic will need to break up a powerful Pacific butterfly group," said Hansen. "Our freshmen have been nothing but impressive so far this year. However, it's time for them to swim faster than they thought they could.” Huxhold led the 'Runner men with three wins against Grand Canyon last week, but he will need support from the rest of the team in order for Bakersfield to put up solid team results.
“We are excited to swim fast in front of our home crowd. It's alumni weekend, so, we hope to see a lot of old, familiar faces!” said Hansen. The first event is scheduled to begin at 12 p.m. on Saturday at the Hillman Aquatics Complex. Admission is free for all fans and results and a recap can be found here later in the afternoon.
~www.GoRunners.com~
