UrsusArctosCalifornicus;842363753 said:

---

[COLOR="#FF8C00"]2014 Asian Games[/COLOR] - Day 1: [COLOR="#3333ff"][SIZE=3][FONT=Times New Roman]Siobhan anchored HK to a new national record with a really impressive [U]53.71[/U] split in the [COLOR="#B22222"]4x100 freestyle[/COLOR]. 2nd fastest split in the whole field by far (even when accounting for the flying start), as only Siobhan & China's Shen Duo (53.58) managed to break the 54 sec barrier!

Cal Bears Camille Cheng had led off with a [U]55.67[/U], followed by alumna Stephanie Au in [U]55.51[/U] to also help HK earn a podium spot behind JPN and winner CHN. Their relay time of [U][COLOR="#006400"]3:39.94[/COLOR][/U] would actually have been good for a bronze medal at this year's Commonwealth Games if Hong Kong had still been eligible, trumping 3rd place Canada's [U]3:40.00[/U]!

[video=youtube;8oVtm60hLpA][/video]

http://www.incheon2014ag.org/Sports/SW/Result/?RSC=SWW411101&lang=en

Former HK record of [U]3:40.80[/U] was set at the 2009 East Asian Games (supersuit era of polyrubber-aided fast times) by a team that boasted alumni Hannah Wilson (54.79) & Stephanie (55.26).

http://en.wikipedia.org.advanc.io/wiki/List_of_Hong_Kong_records_in_swimming

Another Golden Bears international, Yvette Kong, placed 7th in the [COLOR="#B22222"]100 breast[/COLOR] final, with a [U]1:10.66[/U]

Imagine if we can field a 100 free relay next season sporting [COLOR="#FF0000"]Abbey Weitzeil, Amy Bilquist & Siobhan Haughey[/COLOR] - would be heck of a potent combo that could out-match even furds' supposedly unbeatable quartet of Manuel/Hu/Engel/Neal! And if Missy should change her mind about going pro next year, this would easily be an NCAA record smashing squad!! Highly unlikely I know - but one can dream, right?! :p
[/FONT][/SIZE][/COLOR]
------------

Stephanie Au [COLOR="#696969"]21 Sept[/COLOR]
I'm so honoured and proud to be on this Hong Kong Record Breaking team! Thank you for everyone's messages and support. Loves received! ���� #asiangames #teamhk #4x100freebronze #onedown

Camille Cheng [COLOR="#696969"]21 Sept[/COLOR]
Bronze medal and a new Hong Kong record in the 4x100 Free relay! ��✌️ #asiangames #gohk


------------

Day 3: [COLOR="#3333ff"][SIZE=3][FONT=Times New Roman] Stephanie, along with Sze, Camille leading off, and Siobhan anchoring for HK, won bronze in the [COLOR="#B22222"]4x200 freestyle[/COLOR] just now. I believe their time of [U][COLOR="#006400"]8:04.55[/COLOR][/U] is a new national record, besting the 2009 standard of 8:04.86 that had previously been set by Hannah, Yvette, Stephanie & Sze. 4th place Korea came in 7 seconds behind HK.
[/FONT][/SIZE][/COLOR]
http://www.incheon2014ag.org/Sports/SW/Result?RSC=SWW412101&lang=en

------------

Day 5: [COLOR="#3333ff"][SIZE=3][FONT=Times New Roman] Stephanie ([U]1:01.96[/U] back), Yvette ([U]1:10.69[/U] breast), Sze ([U]1:00.08[/U] fly), and Siobhan ([U]54.42[/U] free), secured HK's 3rd relay bronze with a time of [U][COLOR="#006400"]4:07.15[/COLOR][/U] in the [COLOR="#B22222"]4x100 medley[/COLOR]. I was actually hoping they would overtake Korea for the silver, but Yvette & Sze's times were slower than expected. Should be noted that China was DQ'ed in the prelims, so it worked out fortuitously for HK in terms of a podium place, with Japan taking the gold.[/FONT][/SIZE][/COLOR]

http://www.incheon2014ag.org/Sports/SW/Result?RSC=SWW451101&lang=en

[COLOR="#FF0000"]VIDEO ->[/COLOR]

------------

Stephanie Au [COLOR="#696969"]26 Sept[/COLOR]
Three bronze to conclude this years Incheon 2014 Asian Games. New records were made. The bar is higher now. One most important thing: Special thanks to all the unfailing support from my teammates. I don't think I could have done all this without you all. From kunming training till now, all the laughters, sweats and hardships, only we know and will be remembered. I can't love this group too much!


------------

---

China's team sure looks pumped up!! I'm just saying..........................

BearDevil;842368679 said:

---

Weitzeil's and Cosgrove's club coach, Coley Stickels, swam at 'Zona, so it's no big surprise that they would visit. With so many women's commits already, don't see how the 'Cats can add both Bilquist and Weitzeil.

---

Gulp! Looks like #10 rank swimmer Quinn Carrozza has changed her mind about AZ and has now verbal to Texas! Does open more money for AZ to recruit Weitzell.............

BearDevil;842368679 said:

---

With so many women's commits already, don't see how the 'Cats can add both Bilquist and Weitzeil.

---

OTOH, the following news may have freed up some scholly funds for the Wildcats to try to go for both Amy & Abbey... :headbang

[COLOR="#B22222"][SIZE=4]Top-10 Recruit Quinn Carrozza Changes Verbal From Arizona to Texas[/SIZE][/COLOR]
http://swimswam.com/top-10-recruit-quinn-carrozza-changes-verbal-arizona-texas/

I read the SWIMSWAM headline about Carrozza switching to Texas and I was happy for Texas Coach Capitani (former Bear). But I did NOT read the whole story---and a little lazy to go back to the article right now--- so wonder if it was really Carrozza's choice or did U of A tell her their offer no longer stood? (

OBear073akaSMFan;842369439 said:

---

Gulp! Looks like #10 rank swimmer Quinn Carrozza has changed her mind about AZ and has now verbal to Texas! Does open more money for AZ to recruit Weitzell.............

---

Anything's possible, but the timing makes it unlikely that 'Zona dropped their highest rated commit for the possibility they may be able to add someone better. Decommits are generally frowned upon, but people can understand that 17 year olds can be indecisive; a paid professional adult dumping a verbal for a higher rated recruit is viewed far less favorably than a decommit. My guess is that Carrozza contacted 'Zona on Sunday and then committed to Texas the same day. If she had been dumped by 'Zona on Sunday, she wouldn't have been composed enough to commit to Texas within hours. Teri wouldn't dump Baker or McLaughlin if Ledecky suddenly said she wanted to make an official visit to Berkeley.

If Bilquist is focused on 2016, there isn't a better backstroke training group in America than Cal/Cal Aquatics. She's better in the 50 free than the 100 free, so making the team as a sprinter isn't as likely as making it as a backstroker. UofA's clearly on the rise, but Cal will have a better team in 2016 and provide better training partners/competition than 'Zona.

'Zona, Cal, LSJU, Minnesota, and Texas are putting together monster classes. Number one may be determined by who gets Weitzeil and/or Bilquist. Siobhan's status (or even if she wants to swim NCAAs) is still an unknown. While I still would like the tedbear dream team, kinda think Teri might be better served by one of (Weitzeil, Bilquist, and Siobhan) and a distance swimmer to complement Cierra. Another breaststroker would have been nice, but the only two who are upgrades over Marina/Maija are King and Scott. Baker's faster than all of them and will likely swim breast legs on the medley relays. She could also score in both breasts, but that would likely be leaving more net points on the table in other events (200 IM, both backs). Baker buys Teri time to see if Marina and/or Miaja develop enough, so a 2015 breastroker isn't absolutely necessary.

BearDevil;842369676 said:

---

Anything's possible, but the timing makes it unlikely that 'Zona dropped their highest rated commit for the possibility they may be able to add someone better. Decommits are generally frowned upon, but people can understand that 17 year olds can be indecisive; a paid professional adult dumping a verbal for a higher rated recruit is viewed far less favorably than a decommit. My guess is that Carrozza contacted 'Zona on Sunday and then committed to Texas the same day. If she had been dumped by 'Zona on Sunday, she wouldn't have been composed enough to commit to Texas within hours. Teri wouldn't dump Baker or McLaughlin if Ledecky suddenly said she wanted to make an official visit to Berkeley.

If Bilquist is focused on 2016, there isn't a better backstroke training group in America than Cal/Cal Aquatics. She's better in the 50 free than the 100 free, so making the team as a sprinter isn't as likely as making it as a backstroker. UofA's clearly on the rise, but Cal will have a better team in 2016 and provide better training partners/competition than 'Zona.

'Zona, Cal, LSJU, Minnesota, and Texas are putting together monster classes. Number one may be determined by who gets Weitzeil and/or Bilquist. Siobhan's status (or even if she wants to swim NCAAs) is still an unknown. While I still would like the tedbear dream team, kinda think Teri might be better served by one of (Weitzeil, Bilquist, and Siobhan) and a distance swimmer to complement Cierra. Another breaststroker would have been nice, but the only two who are upgrades over Marina/Maija are King and Scott. Baker's faster than all of them and will likely swim breast legs on the medley relays. She could also score in both breasts, but that would likely be leaving more net points on the table in other events (200 IM, both backs). Baker buys Teri time to see if Marina and/or Miaja develop enough, so a 2015 breastroker isn't absolutely necessary.

---

Do you have any names for who might be our distance recruit? I guess we should know soon where Bilquist and Weitzeil are heading. Still hoping for the dream team!

No specific names in mind, but Teri won't be able to afford a high end distance swimmer (200, 500, 1650, & 800 relay) if she lands two of Abbey, Amy, and Siobahn (not exactly a bad problem to have!). With Cierra, Pelton, Acker, Baker, and Katie on the team in 2016, Cal doesn't need another 200 free or 800 relay swimmer in this recruiting class, but could use another 500 and 1650 scorer to pair with Runge.

BearDevil;842369676 said:

---

While I still would like the tedbear dream team, kinda think Teri might be better served by one of (Weitzeil, Bilquist, and Siobhan) and a distance swimmer to complement Cierra. Another breaststroker would have been nice, but the only two who are upgrades over Marina/Maija are King and Scott. Baker's faster than all of them and will likely swim breast legs on the medley relays. She could also score in both breasts, but that would likely be leaving more net points on the table in other events (200 IM, both backs). Baker buys Teri time to see if Marina and/or Miaja develop enough, so a 2015 breastroker isn't absolutely necessary.

---

[COLOR="#3333ff"][SIZE=3][FONT=Times New Roman]
So what's all of your takes on 2015 recruits with some potential in the [U]distance[/U] events, and their possible interest as well as fit for us? Any of these prospects visited the campus yet?

For example, though I probably have missed a few:
[/FONT][/SIZE][/COLOR]
--------------------

[COLOR="#006400"]Leah Stevens - Lakeside Swim Team (Louisville, KY)[/COLOR]
[COLOR="#B22222"] [U]1650 free[/U] (16:07.77), [U]500 free[/U] (4:43.10), 400 IM (4:12.98), 200 IM (1:59.95), 200 free (1:47.95) [/COLOR]
http://www.collegeswimming.com/swimmer/148928/

[COLOR="#006400"][/COLOR][COLOR="#006400"]Daniela Georges - Aquazot Swim Club (Irvine, CA)[/COLOR]
[COLOR="#B22222"] [U]500 free[/U] (4:39.82), [U]200 free[/U] (1:45.83), 100 back (54.21), 200 fly (1:56.96), 200 IM (1:58.97) [/COLOR]
http://www.collegeswimming.com/swimmer/238454/

[COLOR="#006400"]Sydney Lofquist - Mason Manta Rays (Mason, OH)[/COLOR]
[COLOR="#B22222"][/COLOR][COLOR="#B22222"] [U]500 free[/U] (4:42.28), 400 IM (4:10.90), 200 IM (2:00.13), 200 fly (1:59.44), [U]1650 free[/U] (16:44.67) [/COLOR]
http://www.collegeswimming.com/swimmer/338615/

[COLOR="#006400"]Madison Wright - Kingfish Aquatic Club (Warren, MI)[/COLOR]
[COLOR="#B22222"] 200 fly (1:55.30), 100 fly (53.14), [U]500 free[/U] (4:46.75), 200 free (1:47.61) [/COLOR]
http://www.collegeswimming.com/swimmer/200612/

[COLOR="#006400"]Erin Emery - Sandpipers of Nevada (Las Vegas, NV)[/COLOR] [COLOR="#3333ff"][SIZE=3][FONT=Times New Roman]- Darn, scratch that, hadn't noticed that Erin had already verbaled to the Minn Gophers on Sunday![/FONT][/SIZE][/COLOR]
[COLOR="#B22222"] [U]1650 free[/U] (16:11.96), [U]500 free[/U] (4:46.07), 200 free (1:50.84) [/COLOR]
http://www.collegeswimming.com/swimmer/168111/

--------------------
[COLOR="#3333ff"][SIZE=3][FONT=Times New Roman]
For reference, here are the times that scored @ [U]2014 NCAA[/U]s, I'd expect them to be faster still this year, and of course off the roof once Katie Ledecky takes the collegiate stage, whether that'd be after 2016 Rio as is most likely, or next year!
[/FONT][/SIZE][/COLOR]
1650 Yard Freestyle
[COLOR="#B22222"][U]15:27.84[/U] (#1 MacLean) - [U]16:09.00[/U] (#16 Borgersen)[/COLOR]

500 Yard Freestyle
[COLOR="#B22222"]A Final: [U]4:32.53[/U] (#1 MacLean) - [U]4:37.80[/U] (#8 Henry)
B Final: [U]4:33.75[/U] (#9 Smith) - [U]4:42.56[/U] (#16 Chenault)[/COLOR]

http://swimmeetresults.com/2014d1ncaachamps/

--------------------
[COLOR="#3333ff"][SIZE=3][FONT=Times New Roman]
Not to forget Danielle Valley who had been mentioned as a possible transfer option from Florida. Though Zona is a likely option for her, which if that goes down might well increase our chances of welcoming Amy and/or Abbey to the fold

Couldn't find 1650y times for Daniela Georges, but her 500y PB was achieved as recently as April 2014 (compared to Leah's 1650 best time swam back in Dec 2012), and she would be in-state for us.

Leah's BFF Kim Williams also has some solid stats:[/FONT][/SIZE][/COLOR] http://www.collegeswimming.com/swimmer/166086/

Leah Stevens [COLOR="#808080"]- 25 Sept[/COLOR]
CONGRATS to my best friend for making the World Cup Team!!!! So proud of you! #ilyamilly


--------------------

[COLOR="#3333ff"][SIZE=3][FONT=Times New Roman]Getting away from distance for a bit, and taking note of the limited remaining options for contributing breaststrokers in this recruiting class as BearDevil had pointed out (Miranda Tucker had just verbaled to Indiana today, joining top br Lilly King there)...would Nora McCullagh be of interest for her versatility, with a bit of sprint skills thrown in for good measure? She's a clubmate of Kathleen's and formerly Maija's so there's a definite connection there. As with Caitlin Casazza also from SwimMAC, class of 2014 but as yet uncommitted... [/FONT][/SIZE][/COLOR]

[COLOR="#006400"]Nora McCullagh - SwimMAC Carolina (Charlotte, NC)[/COLOR]
[COLOR="#B22222"] 50 free (22.69), 100 free (49.07), 100 back (53.59), 400 IM (4:10.33), 200 free (1:46.22), 200 back (1:57.30), 200 IM (1:59.31) [/COLOR]
http://www.collegeswimming.com/swimmer/201771/

[COLOR="#006400"]Caitlin Casazza - SwimMAC Carolina (Charlotte, NC)[/COLOR]
http://www.collegeswimming.com/swimmer/258162/


[COLOR="#3333ff"][SIZE=3][FONT=Times New Roman]It does look like Mary Pelton's at least considering other programs such as UT & UCLA from her recent trips, and Emma Schanz verbaled to UCLA yesterday...but how about Taylor Garcia who can contribute to our backstroke depth that will be a bit thinner with Melanie & Missy gone from the team in 2015, not to mention Sophia transferring this season? (not that Missy has been competing in the back events @ NCs thus far, and we'll still have Liz+Boots+Kathleen for next year) [/FONT][/SIZE][/COLOR]

[COLOR="#006400"]Taylor Garcia - Byron Center (Byron Center, MI)[/COLOR]
[COLOR="#B22222"] 100 back (52.07), 200 back (1:55.85), 100 fly (53.69), 50 free (23.54), 100 free (52.82) [/COLOR]
http://www.collegeswimming.com/swimmer/218971/

--------------------

2014 NCAA cutoff for scorers in the 500 and 1650 was 4:42 and 16:09. Anyone in that ballpark could help the 2016 Bears. Have heard Leah Stevens linked to 'SC and LSJU, Georges (one of Katie's friends from Orange County) to Georgia, UVa, and Florida, and Lofquist to 'SC. Have no idea if there's any mutual interest between those 3 or Danielle Valley and Cal.

Casazza and McCullagh are good friends with Maija and Kathleen. Casazza's homeshooled and took trips both last year and this year ('Zona, A&M, UVa, Indiana, and Virginia Tech). Suspect that she had an issue with SATs since she was reclassified. Not sure if she can take more than 5 official trips over two seasons. I've heard McCullagh's linked to Texas, UVa, and the Ivies. Thought that Williams and Schanz might be good fits for the Bears. Schanz has a huge upside and is a great get for UCLA.

Mary Pelton's already visited UVa, Texas, and UCLA. Taylor Garcia's too narrow of a niche (100 back) for Cal. Bears already have Pelton, Bootsma, and Baker (and maybe Bilquist) for 2015 and potentially Marsh and Myykanen for 2016. Teri doesn't need single event backstrokers or 'flyers who can't swim on relays. Would guess that the current team has 16 NCAA qualifiers and 13-14 NCAA scorers. Without diving, Teri's looking to get to 18 swimmers who can score in multiple individual events and swim on multiple relays. There aren't a ton of those available and the competition is fierce. Reading between the lines, Teri seems pretty confident that she'll get most of her key 2015 targets since she hasn't cast a wider net.

BearDevil;842369868 said:

---

Casazza and McCullagh are good friends with Maija and Kathleen. Casazza's homeshooled and took trips both last year and this year ('Zona, A&M, UVa, Indiana, and Virginia Tech).

---

-----------

Caitlin Casazza - [COLOR="#808080"]20 Sept[/COLOR] [COLOR="#696969"] @ Lane Stadium[/COLOR]
Let's go Hokies


Caitlin Casazza - [COLOR="#808080"]14 Sept[/COLOR]
Met some pretty cool people this weekend #IU


Caitlin Casazza - [COLOR="#808080"]30 August[/COLOR]
On the field at UVA


-----------

BearDevil;842369868 said:

---

Have heard Leah Stevens linked to 'SC and LSJU, Georges (one of Katie's friends from Orange County) to Georgia, UVa, and Florida, and Lofquist to 'SC. Have no idea if there's any mutual interest between those 3 or Danielle Valley and Cal.

---

---------

[COLOR="#B22222"][SIZE=4]Sydney Lofquist Brings Possible NCAA Qualifying as a Freshman to USC[/SIZE][/COLOR]

http://swimswam.com/sydney-lofquist-brings-possible-ncaa-qualifying-freshman-usc/



---------

UrsusArctosCalifornicus;842369768 said:

---

[COLOR="#3333ff"][SIZE=3][FONT=Times New Roman]

Leah's BFF Kim Williams also has some solid stats:[/FONT][/SIZE][/COLOR] http://www.collegeswimming.com/swimmer/166086/

---

BearDevil;842369868 said:

---

Thought that Williams and Schanz might be good fits for the Bears.

---

[COLOR="#B22222"][SIZE=4]Jr. Pan Pacs Medalist Kim Williams Verbally Commits to Stanford[/SIZE][/COLOR]

http://swimswam.com/jr-pan-pacs-medalist-kim-williams-verbally-commits-stanford/


---------

-----------------

[COLOR="#800080"][SIZE=4]Carmel swim sensation Bilquist enjoying recruiting process[/SIZE][/COLOR]

http://www.indystar.com/story/sports/high-school/2014/09/30/amy-bilquist/16492979/

-----------------

UrsusArctosCalifornicus;842370652 said:

---

-----------------

[COLOR="#800080"][SIZE=4]Carmel swim sensation Bilquist enjoying recruiting process[/SIZE][/COLOR]

http://www.indystar.com/story/sports/high-school/2014/09/30/amy-bilquist/16492979/

-----------------

---

Furds just got Kim Williams, a good one IM and won breast 3 yrs in a row at state (WA). Besides dream team, did we pursue her? Seems like would fill a need for us!

Both Cal and LSJU are bumping up against the same recruiting problem-there are only a finite number of recruits who can help either school immediately. If they were interested in Cal, Teri would have added either Ella Eastin or Kim Williams, but not both. Eastin's an immediate scorer in both IMs, but won't be able to swim on any relays for either school. Williams looks like a borderline NCAA scorer as a freshman and won't be a relay option anytime soon. Their other recent commit, Kaitlyn Albertoli, not only isn't an immediate scorer, but she may not even qualify for NCAAs as a freshman (be in the top 38 of any single event). Her immediate ceiling may be as a relay only swimmer on a team that doesn't need anymore sprinters right now.

Teri's taken a more aggressive approach with this class-target a few elite recruits who can make immediate contributions. It's inherently more risky since there's so much competition for top five-top ten recruits, but there's also a bigger reward if she pulls it off. Kathleen's a backstroker/IMer, but she's faster than pure sprinter Albertoni in the 50/100/200 and could swim 5 relays for Cal. Katie McLaughlin's a 'flyer, but she's also fast enough to potentially swim 4 relays for the Bears.

BearDevil;842369868 said:

---

Casazza and McCullagh are good friends with Maija and Kathleen. Casazza's homeshooled and took trips both last year and this year ('Zona, A&M, UVa, Indiana, and Virginia Tech). Suspect that she had an issue with SATs since she was reclassified. Not sure if she can take more than 5 official trips over two seasons.

---

Kathleen Baker [COLOR="#696969"]4 Oct[/COLOR]
So proud of my Tweedle dee for her amazing commitment to Georgia!! I love ya [SIZE=4][COLOR="#FF0000"]❤️❤️[/COLOR][COLOR="#696969"]��[/COLOR][/SIZE] [COLOR="#FF0000"]@casazza96[/COLOR]



Maija Roses [COLOR="#696969"]4 Oct[/COLOR] - [COLOR="#808080"]the best summer ever[/COLOR]
Shouts to my ride-or-die homie and the hardest worked I know @ccasazza for committing to Georgia tonight! Can't wait to see the amazing things you accomplish out there! Love you ��

[COLOR="#3333ff"][SIZE=3][FONT=Times New Roman]Congrats to Casazza.

Now come on, Abbey or Amy, give us some happy news to cheer about for the weekend...pretty please? :p
[/FONT][/SIZE][/COLOR]

---------

UrsusArctosCalifornicus;842369768 said:

---

[COLOR="#006400"]Daniela Georges - Aquazot Swim Club (Irvine, CA)[/COLOR]
[COLOR="#B22222"] [U]500 free[/U] (4:39.82), [U]200 free[/U] (1:45.83), 100 back (54.21), 200 fly (1:56.96), 200 IM (1:58.97) [/COLOR]
http://www.collegeswimming.com/swimmer/238454/

[COLOR="#3333ff"][SIZE=3][FONT=Times New Roman]Couldn't find 1650y times for Daniela Georges, but her 500y PB was achieved as recently as April 2014 (compared to Leah's 1650 best time swam back in Dec 2012), and she would be in-state for us. [/FONT][/SIZE][/COLOR]

---

BearDevil;842369868 said:

---

Have heard Leah Stevens linked to 'SC and LSJU, Georges (one of Katie's friends from Orange County) to Georgia, UVa, and Florida, and Lofquist to 'SC. Have no idea if there's any mutual interest between those 3 or Danielle Valley and Cal.

---

[COLOR="#FF0000"][SIZE=3]17th-Ranked Recruit Daniela Georges Verbally Commits to Arizona Wildcats[/SIZE][/COLOR]

http://swimswam.com/17th-recruit-daniela-georges-verbally-commits-arizona-wildcats/

---------

'Zona still needs two full scholarships (for Bilquist and Abbey), plus another healthy partial to Victoria Toris. If they thought that Bilquist and Weitzeil were still realistic possibilities, why would they add Georges (an out of state recruit who will command more money than Toris) plus another marginal out of state recruit (Karli Thuen) this week?

UrsusArctosCalifornicus;842373108 said:

---

Now come on, Abbey or Amy, give us some happy news to cheer about for the weekend...pretty please? :p
[/FONT][/SIZE]

---------

---

Seems like our hopes have been on these 2 for such a long time that it would be a total bummer if we don't get at least one of the swimmers!

BearDevil;842374964 said:

---

'Zona still needs two full scholarships (for Bilquist and Abbey), plus another healthy partial to Victoria Toris. If they thought that Bilquist and Weitzeil were still realistic possibilities, why would they add Georges (an out of state recruit who will command more money than Toris) plus another marginal out of state recruit (Karli Thuen) this week?

---

I was thinking the same thing BearDevil. I think this is a really good sign for us for both Abbey and Amy! I just can't picture Cali girl Abbey at Texas, unless boyfriend Cole just really didn't like his time at Cal. Really hoping we can complete, what would be an incredible class. NLI day is Nov. 12th.

BearDevil;842368679 said:

---

Mary Pelton visited UCLA this weekend, so she may have decided she doesn't want to follow in Liz's footsteps. Can't see her turning down an official visit when her sister was honored as a national champion. There's no way Teri wouldn't recruit her and risk alienating one of her best swimmers and potentially jeopardizing relationships at North Baltimore.

---

UrsusArctosCalifornicus;842369768 said:

---

It does look like Mary Pelton's at least considering other programs such as UT & UCLA from her recent trips

---

Mary Pelton - [COLOR="#696969"]5 Oct[/COLOR] LA Bound

Going to be a bruin!!!! So excited to be committed to UCLA class of 2019!!! ������������



Liz Pelton - [COLOR="#696969"]5 Oct[/COLOR]
Congratulations Mary!! "[COLOR="#3399ff"]@SwimmingWorld[/COLOR]: NBAC's Mary Pelton Chooses UCLA [COLOR="#3399ff"]@thisisMARYland[/COLOR] [U]http://wp.me/p56Jja-t1w[/U] "

Mary Pelton - [COLOR="#696969"]18 Oct[/COLOR]
Cal vs. UCLA game today [COLOR="#3399ff"]@eliZAbethP_1126[/COLOR] ...Mom just clapped for Cal so it looks like I have some work to do [SIZE=3]#[COLOR="#800000"]��[/COLOR]vs[COLOR="#800000"]��[/COLOR][/SIZE]

---------

BearDevil;842369868 said:

---

Taylor Garcia's too narrow of a niche (100 back) for Cal. Bears already have Pelton, Bootsma, and Baker (and maybe Bilquist) for 2015 and potentially Marsh and Myykanen for 2016. Teri doesn't need single event backstrokers or 'flyers who can't swim on relays. Would guess that the current team has 16 NCAA qualifiers and 13-14 NCAA scorers. Without diving, Teri's looking to get to 18 swimmers who can score in multiple individual events and swim on multiple relays. There aren't a ton of those available and the competition is fierce. Reading between the lines, Teri seems pretty confident that she'll get most of her key 2015 targets since she hasn't cast a wider net.

---

BearDevil;842374964 said:

---

'Zona still needs two full scholarships (for Bilquist and Abbey), plus another healthy partial to Victoria Toris. If they thought that Bilquist and Weitzeil were still realistic possibilities, why would they add Georges (an out of state recruit who will command more money than Toris) plus another marginal out of state recruit (Karli Thuen) this week?

---

tedbear;842375261 said:

---

I was thinking the same thing BearDevil. I think this is a really good sign for us for both Abbey and Amy! I just can't picture Cali girl Abbey at Texas, unless boyfriend Cole just really didn't like his time at Cal. Really hoping we can complete, what would be an incredible class. NLI day is Nov. 12th.

---

[COLOR="#FF0000"][SIZE=3]#8 Recruit Taylor Garcia Verbally Commits to Arizona[/SIZE][/COLOR]

http://swimswam.com/8-recruit-taylor-garcia-verbally-commits-arizona/



---------

so is this potentially good news for us?! we want zona to run out of $$ right?

Top 20 recruits have their trips planned well in advance (by the end of July at the latest) and Georges and 'Zona weren't each others' first picks or her visit would have been during an early September home football weekend. Carrozza's decommit freed up some additional money and they probably were able to sweeten their offer for Georges. Garcia may be a marginally better backstroker than Bilquist, but she's a medley relay swimmer only at UofA, whereas Bilquist could swim at least 4 relays for every team in the country. No way would DeMont spend precious few remaining scholly $s on Garcia if Bilquist were still in the mix. Abbey may still be on the table for 'Zona, but find it very unlikely that Bilquist still is.

Looks like 'SC is running into scholly problems too. They have 5 seniors (4 swimmers and 1 diver) and the only two who are pulling major $s are breaststroker Andrea Kropp and diver Haley Ishimatsu. They've already added 3 top 20 recruits (Scott, Lofquist, and Madison Wright) and 2 mid-level recruits. May still have room for 1 of Bilquist and Weitzeil, but not both. May be wishful thinking, but I kinda think Bilquist scheduled her in-home visit(s) last week and eliminated 'Zona and 'SC. They wouldn't have added multiple high $ recruits if they still had a shot at both Bilquist and Weitzeil. Teri, Salo, and DeMont can make a quick trip for an in-home with Weitzeil, but going to Indiana for Bilquist is a two day deal. Think that 'SC and 'Zona were slow playing some recruits and pulled the trigger this week for a reason. May not happen, but I think Teri is the only coach who can still land both. Think that Bilquist is more likely than Weitzeil at this point. She said she wants to commit soon and the NCAA isn't going to rule on Jack Bauerle's fate at Georgia for another two weeks. Would be bummed if Teri gets shut out on both, but surprised if she doesn't get one of them.

BearDevil;842376144 said:

---

Would be bummed if Teri gets shut out on both, but surprised if she doesn't get one of them.

---

+1 !! I think I would :cry:

BearDevil;842376144 said:

---

Looks like 'SC is running into scholly problems too. They have 5 seniors (4 swimmers and 1 diver) and the only two who are pulling major $s are breaststroker Andrea Kropp and diver Haley Ishimatsu. They've already added 3 top 20 recruits (Scott, Lofquist, and Madison Wright) and 2 mid-level recruits. May still have room for 1 of Bilquist and Weitzeil, but not both. May be wishful thinking, but I kinda think Bilquist scheduled her in-home visit(s) last week and eliminated 'Zona and 'SC. They wouldn't have added multiple high $ recruits if they still had a shot at both Bilquist and Weitzeil. Teri, Salo, and DeMont can make a quick trip for an in-home with Weitzeil, but going to Indiana for Bilquist is a two day deal. Think that 'SC and 'Zona were slow playing some recruits and pulled the trigger this week for a reason.

---

[COLOR="#3333ff"][SIZE=3][FONT=Times New Roman]Here's a photo of Amy with some other recruits - Kirsten Vose, ? , Allie Wooden or Olivia Ontjes?, Destiny Nelson, Kim Williams & Leah Stevens. Guess they are visiting Salo's group, since that looks like Manhattan Beach Pier?


OK, looks like verbals are starting to pour in for 'SC. Hopefully their funds will be exhausted before Amy makes her decision hehe
[/FONT][/SIZE][/COLOR]
[SIZE=3][COLOR="#FF0000"]Nashville distance specialist Elizabeth Stinson commits to Southern Cal[/COLOR][/SIZE]

http://swimswam.com/nashville-distance-specialist-elizabeth-stinson-commits-southern-cal/

-------------

[SIZE=3][COLOR="#FF0000"]USC Cornering the Market on Breaststrokers: Gets Commitment from Local Talent Kirsten Vose[/COLOR][/SIZE]

http://swimswam.com/usc-cornering-market-breaststrokers-gets-commitment-kirsten-vose/

--------------

[SIZE=3][COLOR="#FF0000"]USC Trojans continue to roll, getting verbal from Cincinnati Marlin Allie Wooden[/COLOR][/SIZE]

http://swimswam.com/usc-trojans-continue-roll-getting-verbal-cincinnati-marlin-allie-wooden/

--------------

BearDevil;842376144 said:

---

May not happen, but I think Teri is the only coach who can still land both. Think that Bilquist is more likely than Weitzeil at this point. She said she wants to commit soon and the NCAA isn't going to rule on Jack Bauerle's fate at Georgia for another two weeks. Would be bummed if Teri gets shut out on both, but surprised if she doesn't get one of them.

---

OBear073akaSMFan;842376274 said:

---

+1 !! I think I would :cry:

---

[COLOR="#3333ff"][SIZE=3][FONT=Times New Roman]
Ha I completely feel your sentiment there OBear073akaSMFan! Most programs would already be over the moon at receiving verbals from ace studs like Katie & Kathleen - and we are obviously so fortunate and ecstatic that these 2 top recruits have elected to join the family as baby :bear:s! :cheer But OTOH it isn't a bad thing to hold the highest of standards, aspiring for even loftier heights, is it?

Well BearDevil you're a veritably impressive walking thermometer when it comes to accurately gauging the inside scene here, but I still have a bit of (extremely unscientific) confidence in Abbey coming over here, though it's 100% subjective as is based solely on just seeing her constant "liking" all the instagram photos posted by our swimmers hehe

Hmm, come to think of it now, Cierra did happen to be Abbey's roomie @ Pan Pacs which could help. Plus the two other top recruits who qualified & competed for the US National Team @ Pan Pacs this past summer (Kathleen & Katie), who got to experience Teri's coaching style up close & personal as well as witness the team bond/dynamics between Missy, Liz, Boots & Caitlin, just happened to have committed to Cal, so...

Now I'm aware that the elite swimming community is pretty tight-knit and these talented women are close friends with each other regardless of collegiate rivalries, so I could be totally mis-reading the whole vibe there, I'll readily admit :p
[/FONT][/SIZE][/COLOR]

Have a reasonable understanding of what's going on with Bilquist and Weitzeil, but I'm kinda perplexed on what's holding up the last few top 20 recruits (McCullagh, Tetzloff, McTaggart, Stevens). Could be waiting to see what happens at Georgia, could be getting slow played by LSJU, or they could be waiting on Cal. One thing that's pretty clear is that Georgia's going to have a big fall off, especially for a two-time defending NCAA champ. Don't think Teri had some grand scholarship attrition plan, but it does look like it's working in her favor. Not clear if 'SC and 'Zona are working with concrete information about Amy and/or Abbey or if they just blinked and settled for lesser recruits.

Do believe in gut feelings too, UAC. Thought it was a very good sign when Bilquist commented on Baker wearing a Cal shirt. Amy was on a recruiting trip ('SC or 'Zona), so it's a good omen that she was thinking about the Bears even when she was mixing it up with rivals. Recent men's commit, Ken Takahashi, is extremely well-connected and not surprisingly is good friends with Cogswell and Abbey too. Dude is like a SoCal swimming Pied Piper.

------------

BearDevil;842376798 said:

---

I'm kinda perplexed on what's holding up the last few top 20 recruits (McCullagh, Tetzloff, McTaggart, Stevens). Could be waiting to see what happens at Georgia, could be getting slow played by LSJU, or they could be waiting on Cal.

---

[COLOR="#3333ff"][SIZE=3][FONT=Times New Roman]
Well I can always fantasize that Kathleen's conversation w/Nora (see her tweet below) included something to the effect "hey ilysm nora, so when r u goin 2 announce u will be joinin shorty ummm I mean Maija, & me?"
[/FONT][/SIZE][/COLOR]
Kathleen Baker [COLOR="#696969"]6 Oct[/COLOR]
Phone calls with @nora_mccullagh make the 30min drive home from practice so much more enjoyable❤️���� #ilysm

------------

BearDevil;842376798 said:

---

Do believe in gut feelings too, UAC. Thought it was a very good sign when Bilquist commented on Baker wearing a Cal shirt. Amy was on a recruiting trip ('SC or 'Zona), so it's a good omen that she was thinking about the Bears even when she was mixing it up with rivals. Recent men's commit, Ken Takahashi, is extremely well-connected and not surprisingly is good friends with Cogswell and Abbey too. Dude is like a SoCal swimming Pied Piper.

---

[COLOR="#3333ff"][SIZE=3][FONT=Times New Roman]
fingers crossed...

btw, don't know if these tweets hold any significance for our dream team, or am I just chasing ghosts and desperately wanting to see a pattern in something that really is just a figment of my wild imagination...likely the latter! :p
[/FONT][/SIZE][/COLOR]
Mathias Oh @MOHBear [COLOR="#696969"]3 Oct[/COLOR]
Whooooo congrats @kentakahottie #GoBears ������

Mathias Oh @MOHBear [COLOR="#696969"]5 Oct[/COLOR]
It's weird how @AbbeyWeitzeil and I can read eachothers minds ��

[COLOR="#696969"]Mathias Oh followed Ryan Kao and Abbey Weitzeil[/COLOR]

------------

UAC i love your twitter prowess. Really hope they commit!

UrsusArctosCalifornicus;842376818 said:

---

------------


[COLOR="#3333ff"][SIZE=3][FONT=Times New Roman]
Well I can always fantasize that Kathleen's conversation w/Nora (see her tweet below) included something to the effect "hey ilysm nora, so when r u goin 2 announce u will be joinin shorty ummm I mean Maija, & me?"
[/FONT][/SIZE][/COLOR]
Kathleen Baker [COLOR="#696969"]6 Oct[/COLOR]
Phone calls with @nora_mccullagh make the 30min drive home from practice so much more enjoyable❤️����

------------

---

Don't know what's going on with McCullagh. In addition to Alyssa Marsh, another potential 2016 SwimMAC recruit to watch is Erika Brown. Highest ranked 2016 recruit in North Carolina and previously swam with Breed, Celina, and Silverthorn on the Pleasanton Seahawks.

icecream12345;842377119 said:

---

UAC i love your twitter prowess. Really hope they commit!

---

[COLOR="#3333ff"][SIZE=3][FONT=Times New Roman]Trying to keep up, but somewhat handicapped from not having social media accounts of my own! I'll be offline for most of the day today so hope someone will update here if there are any breaking news on the recruiting front, thx!
[/FONT][/SIZE][/COLOR]
--------------


[COLOR="#FF0000"][SIZE=4]Kathleen Baker on The Morning Swim Show [/SIZE][/COLOR]

Baker relives her experiences in Australia, hanging out with a squad of talented swimmers, and how spending time with several swimmers from UC-Berkeley influenced her decision to be a Golden Bear next fall. She also talked about training with the elite postgrad group at SwimMAC Carolina and the benefits of training with athletes her age as well. Baker says she had a feeling she would have a great 2014 after her breakthroughs last year, including medals at the junior world championships and the Duel in the Pool. She relives her runner-up finish in the 200 backstroke at nationals, and how being in lane one helped her throughout the race.

[video=youtube;Ufgvl96Yo6o][/video]

--------------

[COLOR="#008080"][SIZE=3][U]Kathleen Baker[/U], Alex Valente Lead USA Swimmings Junior Team FINA World Cup Contingent[/SIZE][/COLOR]

http://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/news/kathleen-baker-alex-valente-lead-usa-swimmings-junior-team-fina-world-cup-contingent/

https://usaswimming.org/ViewNewsArticle.aspx?TabId=0&itemid=6410&mid=14491

--------------

Thanks for posting Kathleen's interview. I look forward to hearing how Terri is able to complete this amazing class.

Two more out of staters for SC. I think they are out of the race for both Abbey and Amy.

http://swimswam.com/hanni-leach-olivia-ontjes-verbally-commit-usc-trojans/

As always, agree with tedbear. (Scott + Lofquist + Wright) > (Kropp + Ishimatsu) and 7 other frosh swimmers >> 3 senior swimmers. Bilquist and Weitzeil are both full rides wherever they go, so Salo doesn't have the money. 10 recruits in a single class will also be a nightmare when they rebalance scholly amounts after each season. Lots of transfers in their future. 'Zona may still have room for Weitzeil, but they wouldn't have added Garcia if they still had a shot at Bilquist. Their post-season rebalancing will be even worse than 'SC's since they're a public school with a boatload of out of state recruits.

Bilquist, Kim Williams, and Leah Stevens visited 'SC the same weekend and Salo whiffed on all of them. Would guess that Salo offered both Stevens and Lofquist with the understanding there was there was only scholly money available for the first one to verbal.

tedbear;842375261 said:

---

I just can't picture Cali girl Abbey at Texas, unless boyfriend Cole just really didn't like his time at Cal. Really hoping we can complete, what would be an incredible class. NLI day is Nov. 12th.

---

[COLOR="#3333ff"][SIZE=3][FONT=Times New Roman]Alright, back online. Well, now that Abbey has gotten her UT visit out of the way, she might verbal soon I'd imagine, so still keeping my fingers crossed... for Amy too... heck might as well throw in Nora & Leah in the process...
[/FONT][/SIZE][/COLOR]
--------------

Abbey Weitzeil [COLOR="#696969"]7 Oct[/COLOR]
Was great to be reunited with this one for the weekend�� #Texaslonghorns #recruitingtrips


--------------

Love Austin and Old Blue Carol Capitani, but still a little nervous about Abbey potentially becoming a 'Whorn. Maybe this innoucous little tidbit helps just a bit: http://swimswam.com/5th-ranked-amy-bilquist-verbally-commits-cal-baby-bear/

BearDevil;842377890 said:

---

Love Austin and Old Blue Carol Capitani, but still a little nervous about Abbey potentially becoming a 'Whorn.

Maybe this innoucous little tidbit helps just a bit: http://swimswam.com/5th-ranked-amy-bilquist-verbally-commits-cal-baby-bear/

---

[COLOR="#3333ff"][SIZE=3][FONT=Times New Roman]Wooooooooooooo!!! The dream team excite-o-meter is going over the roof, I'm soooooooooo delighted!!!! [/FONT][/SIZE][/COLOR] [SIZE=5][COLOR="#FFD700"]��[/COLOR][COLOR="#800000"]��[/COLOR][COLOR="#0099ff"]��[/COLOR][COLOR="#008000"]��[/COLOR][COLOR="#FF0000"]��[/COLOR][/SIZE]

Amy Bilquist [COLOR="#696969"]8 Oct[/COLOR] - UC Berkeley
Blessed and so excited to announce my commitment to the University of California Berkeley! Thanks to everyone who has supported me! I'm a baby bear! ������

[U]Ken Takahashi[/U]: Teammates!!! Congrats Amy!! Go Bears!!!!!
[U]Camille Cheng[/U]: Welcome to the family, baby bear! ������

---------

[COLOR="#8B4513"][SIZE=4]Carmel swimmer Bilquist commits to Cal[/SIZE][/COLOR]

http://usatodayhss.com/2014/carmel-swimmer-bilquist-commits-to-cal
http://www.indystar.com/story/sports/high-school/recruiting-central/2014/10/08/amy-bilquist/16899945/

[COLOR="#696969"]Carmel's Amy Bilquist, one of the nation's most-sought high school swimmers, announced Wednesday that she would enroll at the University of California.

Bilquist, a 17-year-old senior, recently visited four campuses, three of them in the Pac-12, before deciding on Berkeley. Her other finalists were Arizona, USC and Georgia.

Her family relocated to Indiana from Goodyear, Ariz., last year, so there was speculation she might return to Arizona. In a text, she said she did love Arizona but "clicked extremely well with the girls on Cal and my gut was telling me that's where I need to be."

...[/COLOR]

---------

[COLOR="#FF0000"][SIZE=4]5th-Ranked Amy Bilquist Verbally Commits to Be a Cal 'Baby Bear'[/SIZE][/COLOR]

http://swimswam.com/5th-ranked-amy-bilquist-verbally-commits-cal-baby-bear/

---------


[COLOR="#336699"][SIZE=4]Carmel Sprinter Amy Bilquist Chooses California (Photo Gallery)[/SIZE][/COLOR]

http://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/news/carmel-sprinter-amy-bilquist-chooses-california-photo-gallery/



---------

[COLOR="#3333ff"][SIZE=3][FONT=Times New Roman] So it looks like Amy did make her trip to Berkeley that very same weekend as Kathleen, Katie & Abbey...makes sense [/FONT][/SIZE][/COLOR]

Katie McLaughlin [COLOR="#696969"]8 Oct[/COLOR]
SHOUTOUT TO MY GIRL @amybilquist !!!! THE NEWEST BABY BEAR!!! [SIZE=3][COLOR="#0099ff"]��������[/COLOR][COLOR="#8B4513"]��������[/COLOR] [COLOR="#FFD700"] ����������[/COLOR][/SIZE] BEYOND STOKED RN [SIZE=3][COLOR="#FFD700"]��[/COLOR][COLOR="#8B4513"]��[/COLOR][COLOR="#0099ff"]��[/COLOR][COLOR="#FFD700"]��[/COLOR][COLOR="#0099ff"]��[/COLOR][COLOR="#8B4513"]��[/COLOR][COLOR="#FFD700"]��[/COLOR][COLOR="#0099ff"]��[/COLOR][/SIZE]


Kathleen Baker [COLOR="#696969"]8 Oct[/COLOR]
Crying tears of joy because @amybilquist is a BABY BEAR!!! [SIZE=3][COLOR="#0099ff"]��[/COLOR][COLOR="#FFD700"]��[/COLOR][/SIZE] Best class evaaaaaa [SIZE=3][COLOR="#0099ff"]��[/COLOR][COLOR="#FFD700"]��[/COLOR][COLOR="#0099ff"]��[/COLOR][COLOR="#FFD700"]��[/COLOR][COLOR="#8B4513"]����[/COLOR][/SIZE]


---------