BAKERSFIELD, Calif.-- The Roadrunner swimming and diving teams are headed to Pocatello, Idaho to tackle Western Athletic Conference foes Saturday, Nov. 8. The men's team will square off in a dual against Seattle U while the women will match up against Seattle U and Idaho in a tri-meet.
“We are excited that we are swimming more WAC teams this year,” said Chris Hansen, Bakersfield's Director of Swimming. “For the women, both the meets could be close. Our biggest problem is our numbers this year, but if we go out and win events, we can be successful.”
The 'Runner women have a tall task, especially in the 500 free where Blaise Wittenauer-Lee has posted the fourth fastest time in the WAC this season (5:07.40). Bakersfield's own Michaela Paige (Jr., Lompoc, Calif., Cabrillo HS) also ranks in the WAC's Top 10 in the event this year (5:08.53) and will give the 'Runners their best chance to earn a victory in the event. Idaho has a fast 50 free swimmer in Erica Anderson who will give Lauren Kaufman (Sr., Renton, Wash., TCU) a swim for her money.
Coach Hansen will not only rely on his fastest women, but expects the team as a whole to rally in order to be competitive: “Relays and diving will play an important role in beating both Seattle and Idaho. If we can all put it together, we can come out with some big wins.” Last week's WAC Women's Diver of the Week, Melissa Gore (So., Taft, Calif., Taft Union HS), will look to put on another show and impress the judges in Idaho.
On the men's side, Hansen is optimistic about the dual against the Redhawks: “The men always have a great meet against Seattle. They are a tough team and always compete great against us. We dominate the freestyle and they dominate some of the stroke events.” Seattle U senior Bart Wanot boasts a Top 3 time in the WAC this year in the 100 back (51.20).
The 'Runners will need their stroke swimmers to perform well in order to keep up with some of Seattle's firepower, but Hansen knows that he has weapons in his own arsenal: “Like the women's meet, relays and diving will play a big part. Last weekend, we had some big swims from some of our freshman. This weekend, we will need a lot of big swims and great dives from the entire team.” The previously mentioned freshmen, Mario Vasquez (Fr., El Centro, Calif., Southwest HS), Bryant Fascio (Fr., Los Angeles, Calif., Rancho Cucamonga HS), and Ethan Pollock (Fr., Eagle Mountain, Utah, American Fork HS), finished the 400 IM in first, second, and third, giving the 'Runners 16 points and clinching the win against Fresno Pacific last weekend.
While the diving events will take place in the morning, the swimmers will hop in the pool at 12 p.m. on Saturday. Results and a recap of the meet can be found here after the conclusion of the meet.
~www.GoRunners.com~
