2017-2018 Season: Women's Swimming

95,500 Views | 294 Replies | Last: 5 yr ago by UrsusArctosCalifornicus
UrsusArctosCalifornicus
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THE TOP 16 WOMEN IN EACH EVENT AT 2017-18 NCAA MIDSEASON


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  • UPDATE =>


50 FREE:
#1 - 21.44 - Abbey Weitzeil, Cal
#8 - 21.99 - Amy Bilquist, Cal


100 FREE:
#2 - 46.95 - Abbey Weitzeil, Cal
#13 - 47.94 - Amy Bilquist, Cal


200 FREE:
#11 - 1:44.41 - Abbey Weitzeil, Cal


500 FREE:
- N/A -


1650 FREE:
- N/A -


100 BACK:
#1 - 50.62 - Kathleen Baker, Cal
#9 - 51.62 - Amy Bilquist, Cal


200 BACK:
#2 - 1:50.48 - Amy Bilquist, Cal
#3 - 1:50.62 - Kathleen Baker, Cal


100 BREAST:
- N/A -


200 BREAST:
- N/A -


100 FLY:
#3 - 50.77 - Noemie Thomas, Cal
#8 - 51.78 - Katie McLaughlin, Cal


200 FLY:
#6 - 1:54.12 - Noemie Thomas, Cal


200 IM:
#1= - 1:53.24 - Kathleen Baker, Cal


400 IM:
#10 - 4:06.58 - Sarah Darcel, Cal


200 FREE RELAY:
#1 - 1:27.10 - Cal


400 FREE RELAY:
#1 - 3:10.95 - Cal


800 FREE RELAY:
#4 - 6:59.38 - Cal


200 MEDLEY RELAY:
#2 - 1:35.04 - Cal


400 MEDLEY RELAY:
#4 - 3:30.45 - Cal


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NCAA SWIMULATOR MIDSEASON RANKINGS




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tedbear
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UrsusArctosCalifornicus said:

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THE TOP 16 WOMEN IN EACH EVENT AT 2017-18 NCAA MIDSEASON


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In the wish they were at Cal category of swimmers.

1. Riley Scott - She attended Cal swim meets all the time, both men and women's, but probably wanted to get away from home, and ended up at Breaststorke U. Anyways, can you imagine if we had her 58.64!!! Our medleys would be lights out. She is also the ranked sixth in the 200 (2:07.99) and 13th in the 200IM (1:55.63). Another reason the Class of 2015 was lights out!

2. Claire Adams - Ok, she never visited campus, and may never have been on Teri's radar, but she was always a favorite here on the board. Seventh in the 100 back (51.42), thirteenth in the 200 back (1:52.84), eleventh in the 100 free (47.81), and seventh in the 200 free (1:43.93).

3. Hannah Cox - Was here for campus recruit weekend two years ago. (Note to bearz012, another distance recruit.) This is my wish for a transfer, if there are available funds. Twelvth in the 500 free (4.38.64) and 10th in the 1650 free (16:04.28).

4. The UAC heartbreak crew - Erika Brown and Siobhan Haughey.

All things considered we haven't had as many big recruiting misses as it has felt like in the Classes of 2016 and 2017.
bearz012
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tedbear said:


3. Hannah Cox - Was here for campus recruit weekend two years ago. (Note to bearz012, another distance recruit.) This is my wish for a transfer, if there are available funds. Twelvth in the 500 free (4.38.64) and 10th in the 1650 free (16:04.28).
Glad to hear this, but I do think she'll stay at Arizona, despite the arrival of Busch. Cory Chitwood, who coached Leah Smith, followed Busch to UofA, and is a good distance coach. Plus, she has a training partner of Smith, which will be a plus for her. Disappointing, but I just don't see her coming here.
tedbear
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UrsusArctosCalifornicus said:

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THE TOP 16 WOMEN IN EACH EVENT AT 2017-18 NCAA MIDSEASON


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  • UPDATE =>


50 FREE:
#1 - 21.44 - Abbey Weitzeil, Cal
#8 - 21.99 - Amy Bilquist, Cal


100 FREE:
#2 - 46.95 - Abbey Weitzeil, Cal
#13 - 47.94 - Amy Bilquist, Cal


200 FREE:
#11 - 1:44.41 - Abbey Weitzeil, Cal


500 FREE:
- N/A -


1650 FREE:
- N/A -


100 BACK:
#1 - 50.62 - Kathleen Baker, Cal
#9 - 51.62 - Amy Bilquist, Cal


200 BACK:
#2 - 1:50.48 - Amy Bilquist, Cal
#3 - 1:50.62 - Kathleen Baker, Cal


100 BREAST:
- N/A -


200 BREAST:
- N/A -


100 FLY:
#3 - 50.77 - Noemie Thomas, Cal
#8 - 51.78 - Katie McLaughlin, Cal


200 FLY:
#6 - 1:54.12 - Noemie Thomas, Cal


200 IM:
#1= - 1:53.24 - Kathleen Baker, Cal


400 IM:
#10 - 4:06.58 - Sarah Darcel, Cal


200 FREE RELAY:
#1 - 1:27.10 - Cal


400 FREE RELAY:
#1 - 3:10.95 - Cal


800 FREE RELAY:
#4 - 6:59.38 - Cal


200 MEDLEY RELAY:
#2 - 1:35.04 - Cal


400 MEDLEY RELAY:
#4 - 3:30.45 - Cal


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Yikes, we are so top heavy. Basically, we are Dream Team, Noemie, and Sarah Darcel.

UrsusArctosCalifornicus
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tedbear said:

Yikes, we are so top heavy. Basically, we are Dream Team, Noemie, and Sarah Darcel.

Haha I couldn't have put it better basically :p

It's really astonishing how Bears have been consistently a Top 3 team for so long on the backs of a few top studs and given our well-known deficiencies (distance, breast & longer IM...hopefully the latter two's in the process of being addressed), compared to several other Top 10 teams who may lack all-out star-power but somehow makes up for that in terms of deep scoring depth. Of course our relay successes haven't hurt too much, admittedly.

Unfortunately the current edition of the furdette juggernaut has finally managed to combine both top end talent & depth, looking pretty unstoppable right now. Their only remaining area of significant weakness is breast, which will surely be patched up with the arrival of the 2018 saplings in the form of Bartel & Raab...

If Cal has any aspirations of keeping up with several fast-rising squads for the next few cycles, let alone stand a chance of seriously challenging LSJU for the team title, goes without saying that Teri & Sarah need to really kill it in the recruiting as far as top talent is concerned (the strength & depth of our 2019 recruits will be a crucial bellwether as we'll be losing 3/4 of the Dream Team, some really incredible & versatile talents there which won't readily find a suitable replacement ~sob~).

Equally as or even more importantly, IMO our coaches should prioritise developing more of the "mid-tier" talent to eventually rise to a position where they can help with the team scoring in the course of their collegiate swimming careers.

But back to more immediate concerns, for the rest of this season:

- "Basically, we are Dream Team, Noemie, and Sarah Darcel": Well Thleen is Thleen, what more can one say really haha, in other words she's a veritable one woman wrecking crew :p ... Abbey & Katie showing encouraging signs of returning to their studly bests, oh they are capable of really lighting it up given their inherent & unparalleled skills, so praying we'll be treated to their potential finally unleashed, yay ... Amy just needs to temper some of her inconsistencies on the biggest of stages (could be a physical issue such as her stress fractures or that hard-to-pin-down serious stomach bug from her past), as Billy has massively dazzled in the past with some truly formidable chops when allowed to shine, on back & free ... Nono such an unsung & underrated hero, her key contributions will be sorely missed next year ... all of the aforementioned studs also slated to play major roles in establishing the pre-eminence of our relays and the corresponding treasure trove of invaluable points there ... last but not least, didn't take long for freshie Sarah to adjust so smoothly to SCY, I'm excited for what Darcel has shown so far, and stoked that Cal finally has a viable potential scoring presence in the 400 IM since the departure of Caitlin, about time! (well Celina did show tantalising glimpses early on but which frustratingly didn't develop further, and guess Kelly did steadily improve there)

- Maddie & Robin: Both definitely in(vited)! Not all that worried 'bout Madds reproducing her stunning performances from her frosh season. Murphy saved her best for last when it really counted back in March 2017, so I have confidence that she will respond well to taper again. Robin vital on the 800 Free relay, as that would free up Abbey to focus on her 3 individual events, two of which where she has a shot at the national title. Cheering our Dutch-Austrian froski to continue adapting to the little pool as adeptly as she has taken to her studies & embracing all things Cal & Americana-related lol, perhaps just in time to contribute a few points in her individual races (500/200/100 free)?

- Ali, Keaton & Val: On the brink of an invite. Hoping for but not expecting single digit individual points. Ali will be invaluable as an option on the breast leg of the two medley relays, even if she may end up being called upon for just the morning session. Similarly Val on the free relays. Perhaps Keeks will rise to the occasion and deliver in the Backs or shorter IM...at any rate would be encouraging to see Blovad continue to improve, particularly in her back events as the cupboard is a wee thin there scoring-depthwise after Kathleen & Amy.

- Chenoa: Need to drop more time to make NCAAs, Chenoa will no doubt make it happen @ conference when she gets a bit more rest. Obviously distance is one of our major weaknesses and we no longer have a potent scorer with Cierra's premature departure (furdettes are going to pile on tons of points there ), but would be a bright indicator if Devine keeps up the pace of development from her freshman year here!

- Rest of swim team: Would be ever so luvly if Dannie, Sophie, Coco, Jenna, Maija, Jaz or anyone else were to drop significant PBs @ Pac-12s to qualify for the team bus to Columbus! Regardless of realistic scoring prospects, would be a great reward for the upperclasswomen, and an important learning experience for their younger teammates.

- Dive squad: Prob. more than a mite premature & unreasonable to look to Derek & the 1st year of establishment of Legends to propel Bears to credible national diving threat status lol, but at least we may see 2 out of Phoebe, Briana or Alexa to join their swim counterparts in Ohio come March of 2018.


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SCORING THE NCAA WOMEN'S TEAMS BASED ON 2017-18 MIDSEASON RANKINGS

NCAA WOMEN'S TEAM SCORES BASED ON MIDSEASON RANKINGS:

PLACE | TEAM | SCORE
1 | Stanford | 383.5
2 | Texas A&M | 368
3 | Cal | 329.5
4 | Louisville | 260
5 | Michigan | 246.5
6 | Southern Cal | 211.5
7 | Georgia | 203.5
8 | Tennessee | 190
9 | Texas | 181
10 | Kentucky | 117
10 | Indiana | 117
12 | Missouri | 98
13 | Virginia | 95
14 | Wisconsin | 89
15 | NC State | 82
16 | North Carolina | 72
17 | Florida State | 65
18 | Auburn | 57.5
19 | Arizona | 54
20 | Ohio State | 40.5
21 | Hawaii | 40
22 | Arizona State | 36
23 | Minnesota | 32.5
24 | Purdue | 30
25 | Alabama | 22
25 | Denver | 22
27 | Penn State | 21
28 | Pitt | 18
29 | Akron | 13
30 | UCLA | 11.5
31 | Florida | 7
32 | Duke | 6.5
33 | Virginia Tech | 6
34 | Georgia Tech | 3
35 | South Carolina | 2
36 | Notre Dame | 1
36 | Rice | 1
36 | Houston | 1


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HBear
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UrsusArctosCalifornicus said:

tedbear said:

Yikes, we are so top heavy. Basically, we are Dream Team, Noemie, and Sarah Darcel.

If Cal has any aspirations of keeping up with several fast-rising squads for the next few cycles, let alone stand a chance of seriously challenging LSJU for the team title, goes without saying that Teri & Sarah need to really kill it in the recruiting as far as top talent is concerned (the strength & depth of our 2019 recruits will be a crucial bellwether as we'll be losing 3/4 of the Dream Team, some really incredible & versatile talents there which won't readily find a suitable replacement ~sob~).

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Entirely not to knock or slight the recruits who have signed already in this year's graduating class and all of the Bears, current and past, on the team, but is there any explanation or theory as to why more recent recruiting classes have been weaker than past?

I'm sure that the more negative publicity, rumors & speculation about Missy's performances and challenges may have contributed to some doubts (esp. on SwimSwam ) about the Cal program and Teri, but I would have thought that sustained no. 2 finishes at NCAAs and the success of Kathleen, in particular, both in the short & big pools, would have spurred more top talent to seriously consider and commit to Cal. Any idea on what gives?
solobear
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Cal has been hit with a series of bad luck. Pelton's illness, Franklin's injury, Runge's departure, McLaughlin's accident, Leverenz's 5-hundredth-second olympic miss, assistant coach changes, ... Franklin's injury was mentioned more often, but any of these unfortunate events costed the team a whole lot. Some discussions weren't fair to Franklin, a dedicated Cal bear who led her spirited team to score over 500 at NCAA.

For example, had Runge continued to perform her best at Cal, she would single-handedly negate most of Ledecky's points and gave Cal a serious chance to beat the Furds. Runge's success would help recruiting more freestylers which Cal is lacking.

After all that, this year, Cal can still win 50 & 100 free, 100 fly, 100 back, 200 back, 200 IM, and several relays at NCAA. If they do win all these events and then succeed at US trials, it'd be even more valuable for recruiting than the NCAA team title.

Also, the 2018 class was much better than it appeared. Bayer and Sumner have the potential to be the best flyer and backstroker of this class, and they might even make A final as freshmen.
UrsusArctosCalifornicus
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2017-2018 WOMEN'S NCAA POWER RANKINGS: POST- INVITE EDITION


#20: FLORIDA STATE SEMINOLES (PREVIOUS RANK: N/A)

#19: PURDUE BOILERMAKERS (PREVIOUS RANK: N/A)

#18: UNC TAR HEELS (PREVIOUS RANK: 18TH)

#17: WISCONSIN BADGERS (PREVIOUS RANK: 15TH)
Tip your hat off to Beata Nelson, who after stumbling freshman year, has become a potential triple A-finalist at NCAAs. Her 50.79 in the 100 back was the highlight of her meet, and ranks her 2nd in the country behind only Kathleen Baker. -KO

Cierra Runge is officially done in Madison, and that's a big hit. Still, its softened by home-state product Beata Nelson coming into her own, particularly in the backstrokes, where she was 50.7/1:51.2 at the Texas Invite. -JA

#16: AUBURN TIGERS (PREVIOUS RANK: 14TH)

#15: MINNESOTA GOLDEN GOPHERS (PREVIOUS RANK: 11TH)

#14: VIRGINIA CAVALIERS (PREVIOUS RANK: 17TH)

#13: NC STATE WOLFPACK (PREVIOUS RANK: 10TH)

#12: MISSOURI TIGERS (PREVIOUS RANK: 13TH)

#11: KENTUCKY WILDCATS (PREVIOUS RANK: 12TH)


#10: TENNESSEE VOLUNTEERS (PREVIOUS RANK: 19TH)
Erika Brown is absolutely on fire, leading the country in the 100 fly (50.33) and also throwing down a 21.50 last weekend in the 50. Stanzi Moseley looks more at home after transferring from USC, and the team should have some great relays this spring. -KO

Erika Brown is a machine. She's got top-5 NCAA ranks in the 100 fly (1st), 50 free (3rd), 100 free (5th) and could carry the Volunteer relays come March. The Vols were the true breakout team of invite season, surging up 9 spots in our ranks for the biggest gain of any program. -JA


#9: INDIANA HOOSIERS (PREVIOUS RANK: 9TH)
The Hoosiers are the only team in the nation under 1:35 in the 200 medley relay after nearly breaking the NCAA record at the Purdue Invite. The team is performing well as a whole it's not JUST the King show. Freshman Grace Haskett is quickly developing into the sprinter that IU has desperately needed. -KO


#8: USC TROJANS (PREVIOUS RANK: 5TH)
Breaststroke isn't an issue and Louise Hansson is killing it in her multitude of events, but the freestyle group has been quiet and the team feels small. -KO

Most of USC's studs had gone so fast already this fall, there wasn't much room for improvement at the Texas Invite. Still, breaststroker/IMer Riley Scott had three great races and freshman Marta Ciesla continued a nice rookie season. -JA


#7: TEXAS LONGHORNS (PREVIOUS RANK: 8TH)
I'm high on Texas. Their free relays in particular are going to score a lot of points, and they've got the firepower in fly and back to not be too one-dimensional. -JA

Quinn Carrozza really performed at the Texas Invite, and the sprints looked strong. Medley relays still need to come around, though. -KO


#6: LOUISVILLE CARDINALS (PREVIOUS RANK: 6TH)
Louisville's got young free relays with some of the highest ceilings in the nation. Did you know that none of the Cardinals' five relays ranks lower than 7th in the NCAA, and that there's not a single senior among all 20 of those legs? -JA

Arina Openysheva is coming around, and Grace Oglesby hammered down bests in the 100 and 200 fly at Winter Nationals. Comerford is doing Comerford things and looks great. -KO


#5: GEORGIA BULLDOGS (PREVIOUS RANK: 7TH)
Sprint depth and relays will hurt Georgia come NCAAs, but the Bulldogs are fast almost everywhere else. Courtney Harnish's freestyle has never looked better, even if her fly and back were off at the Georgia Invite. -JA

Though UGA had some big swims at their own invite (like Courtney Harnish's 4:35 in the 500 free), Michigan was stronger in sprints, which makes all the difference come March. -KO


#4: MICHIGAN WOLVERINES (PREVIOUS RANK: 4TH)
Getting G Ryan back healthy is a big boost to a roster that was already flying high. Siobhan Haughey looks like a world-beater and that 6:55 800 free relay will be a tough opponent for anyone. -JA


#3: TEXAS A&M AGGIES (PREVIOUS RANK: 3RD)
Though it was without Simone Manuel in the mix, the Aggies actually outperformed Stanford at the Art Adamson Invite. With about half of the top 10 carrying a big breaststroke problem, A&M looks poised to capitalize: they've currently got 5 swimmers in scoring range in the 200 and 3 in the 100, including #1 Sydney Pickrem and #2 Bethany Galat in the 200. -JA


#2: CALIFORNIA GOLDEN BEARS (PREVIOUS RANK: 2ND)
The best 200 and 400 free relays in the NCAA by half a second apiece. Medleys ranked within a second of the national lead. Sarah Darcel is already putting it together in yards. It's a good time to be a Golden Bear. -JA


#1: STANFORD CARDINAL (PREVIOUS RANK: 1ST)
Simone Manuel's absence gets more concerning with every passing meet. The Cardinal are still fine behind Katie Ledecky and Ella Eastin, but the relay hit from Manuel's absence is clearly evident. -JA


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BearDevil
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Talent/recruiting matters, but so does coaching. Despite recent recruiting misses, Teri can still coach up the talent she gets.

A&M, Lville, IU, Michigan, and Tennessee all have very good coaches, but they can never accumulate enough talent to make credible runs at a title.

Recruiting isn't the problem at 'SC, but other than breaststrokers, his swimmers don't improve much.
Georgia's recruiting has fallen off, but Bauerle can still coach.

Jury's still out in Austin. Capitani can recruit, but her teams haven't made the jump to the top three yet.
bearz012
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BearDevil said:

Talent/recruiting matters, but so does coaching. Despite recent recruiting misses, Teri can still coach up the talent she gets.

A&M, Lville, IU, Michigan, and Tennessee all have very good coaches, but they can never accumulate enough talent to make credible runs at a title.

Recruiting isn't the problem at 'SC, but other than breaststrokers, his swimmers don't improve much.
Georgia's recruiting has fallen off, but Bauerle can still coach.

Jury's still out in Austin. Capitani can recruit, but her teams haven't made the jump to the top three yet.
A&M used to get recruits who were good, but nothing exceptional (w/ the exception of Galat in 2014), but are now starting to get more attention and better recruits. In 2017, they got Belousova, Pike, and Field, and in 2018, they're getting Gabby Kopenski, and Emma Carlton. Michigan is a hit-or-miss with its recruits.

'SC recruiting frustrates me so much. I agree, they can basically only coach breaststrokers/open distance swimmers (Mann had a disappointing season last year, though), but they continuously get some of the best recruits. Plus they have the whole doping problem.

Georgia's recruiting is coming back. Their 2018 class is incredible, with Merrell, Luther, Carter, Homovich. Olivia Carter went a 1:53 @ Jr Nats, which I think is one of the fastest in-coming times for a freshmen. Plus, the versatility of Merrell makes her an instant 5 relay contender. Add in 2017 recruit Harnish, and their incoming junior world champ, Gabi Fa'musilli (that's horrible spelling, i'm sorry), and I think UGA will be dangerous in the 18-19 season.
UrsusArctosCalifornicus
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https://www.classy.org/fundraiser/1222966
bearz012
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Oops, Dannie's is a bit late, but happy birthday to our freshmen, Dannie and Robin!

https://instagr.am/p/Bckc3RbD5Ny

https://instagr.am/p/Bclsp1NAkQe

https://instagr.am/p/Bcm-M9rDvZK

https://instagr.am/p/BcnavW7B4ZY
bearz012
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https://instagr.am/p/BclO5WuAX_j
UrsusArctosCalifornicus
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NCAA 'A' CUTS UPDATE: 172 CUTS ACHIEVED THROUGH MID-SEASON INVITES

30 women from 16 teams have punched their tickets to the NCAAs in individual events so far, 12 of them have done so in multiple events. Katie Ledecky and Mallory Comerford are leading the way with 4 individual cuts apiece, followed by Ella Eastin, Siobhan Haughey, Louise Hansson, and Kathleen Baker with 3 each, then Abbey Weitzeil, Joanna Evans, Asia Seidt, Erika Brown, Bethany Galat, and Sydney Pickrem with 2 apiece.

The full list of cuts by team can be found below, they are listed in order based first by number of relay cuts, then individuals. (Note: LSJU already has 11 individual 'A' cuts...Bears next with 7)

WOMEN | INDIVIDUAL | RELAY |

Cal | 7 | 5 |
Louisville | 4 | 5 |
Stanford | 11 | 4 |
Texas A&M | 6 | 4 |
USC | 5 | 4 |
Michigan | 4 | 4 |
Georgia | 1 | 4 |
Tennessee | 2 | 3 |
Texas | 2 | 2 |
UNC | 2 | 2 |
Virginia | 1 | 2 |
Indiana | 0 | 2 |
Mizzou | 2 | 1 |
Kentucky | 2 | 1 |
Wisconsin | 1 | 1 |
Arizona | 0 | 1 |
Auburn | 0 | 1 |
Alabama | 0 | 1 |
Florida State | 0 | 1 |
Ohio State | 0 | 1 |
NC State | 0 | 1 |
Denver | 1 | 0 |

TOTAL | 51 | 50 |


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BearDevil
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Took a quick peek at Legends yesterday. Looked like the wonen's team was hosting a clinic for local club teams. Pool was entirely laned off sideways and two or three swimmers were mentoring groups of young girls.
UrsusArctosCalifornicus
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BearDevil said:

Took a quick peek at Legends yesterday. Looked like the wonen's team was hosting a clinic for local club teams. Pool was entirely laned off sideways and two or three swimmers were mentoring groups of young girls.
Yup some sort of Cal swim camp hosted by our women's team, according to social media too.

Brill at any rate to see this fine tradition being carried on...perhaps a future Mary T, Natalie, Dana, Missy or Thleen amongst these bright-eyed young swimmers who are off to a smashing start there, inspired by some really great role models on the team...

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BEARS HOST SPARTANS IN WEDNESDAY DUAL



Hmmm, just noticed the preponderance of not-your-average events apparently scheduled for this unique dual - 3x100 Back Relay (have a feeling Backstroke U will acquit themselves quite nicely here lol), 3x100 Breast Relay (maybe not as well on this one if facing stiffer competition haha), 150/300/800 of various strokes, capped off by a 250 Free Relay... should be fun at any rate, and a refreshing change of pace from the usual format!


LIVE RESULTS => http://collegeswimming.us/results/103838/


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UrsusArctosCalifornicus
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A FUN DAY AT THE RACES


Katie McLaughlin won the 300 free against San Jose State Wednesday.


Meet Results => http://www.calbears.com/documents/2017/12/20//12_20_17_Cal_vs_San_Jose_State_results.pdf


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BearDevil
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Definitely a different meet and format, but interesting and fun.

Races were held on the South end (diving well) of Spieker. Roughly 100 spectators, mostly family and friends. Would have been an ideal meet to hold at Legends.

Missed intros and the first event (3 x 100 back relay). Thleen didn't swim at all and was bundled up like the meet was held in Antarctica.

Only traditional event was the 50 Free, so more interesting to see team dynamics. Strong swims by Amy, Aislinn, Chenoa, Noemie, and Tuck.

Not surprisingly, Amy is impressive in and out of the pool. Really chill and casual between races. but all business when she was on the blocks. Fawned over a professor's dog, coyly checked out Hull's new beau, sarcastically chided her mom from not bringing the family dog, and enthusiastically cheered for unsung teammates when they came up big. A rare gem and a great Golden Bear. As tedbear has noted, it's a very tight and close team and they genuinely care about and support each other.

A redshirting SJSU swimmer introduced the coach's son to Farida since he specifically wanted selfies and autographs from Farida and Thleen.

Had a brief chat with Farida, who was genuinely surprised to be recognized. Really kind, humble, polite, and gracious. Another classic Bear. She's back in Berkeley through 2020 since the coaching and training is much better than in Egypt. Trains with Vollmer and the current team.

Like Queen of the Pool, quasi-exhibition format works for both teams. SISU has a couple of good swimmers, but none who would challenge for relay legs at Cal. End of semester timing gets everyone back in the pool with no stress. Was why it was so interesting to see Amy turn it on and off effortlessly. Can't hide huge talent and drive.

Darcel is a stud and is called Darcy by her teammates. Fellow Canadian Noemie is a low key bad ass. Calmly blows everyone away in the pool and was wearing flip flops on the pool deck on a chilly day when her teammates were rocking Uggs.

Maija is highly entertaining. Gets completely stoked on the blocks for every race, but even she cracked up after a lackluster Go Bears cheer from her teammates before one of her races.
UrsusArctosCalifornicus
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Hey cheers for another brill field report, BD!

Really enjoyed reading your detailed behind-the-scene impressions of all the luvly personalities on the team, beyond their impressive (but by their nature rather dry) swim stats...you've certainly earned my upvote here

Thank you btw for sharing our Canadian froski's nickname. Having 2 Sarahs here (Darcel & Dunleavy) did make it potentially confusing at times, so from henceforth I'll cheerily refer to our BC Bear by her Jane Austen character's surname
tedbear
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"Not surprisingly, Amy is impressive in and out of the pool. Really chill and casual between races. but all business when she was on the blocks. Fawned over a professor's dog, coyly checked out Hull's new beau, sarcastically chided her mom from not bringing the family dog, and enthusiastically cheered for unsung teammates when they came up big. A rare gem and a great Golden Bear. As tedbear has noted, it's a very tight and close team and they genuinely care about and support each other. "

Amy is already my all time favorite . Like you said BD, she is a gem in the pool, out of the pool, and in the classroom. I had the privilege of meeting her parents, and they are really cool too.
OBear073akaSMFan
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tedbear said:


Amy is already my all time favorite . Like you said BD, she is a gem in the pool, out of the pool, and in the classroom. I had the privilege of meeting her parents, and they are really cool too.
Wasn't at this meet but at the NC state meet, her parents were the one leading the cheers for the stands. Yes cool family!
BearDevil
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tedbear said:

"Not surprisingly, Amy is impressive in and out of the pool. Really chill and casual between races. but all business when she was on the blocks. Fawned over a professor's dog, coyly checked out Hull's new beau, sarcastically chided her mom from not bringing the family dog, and enthusiastically cheered for unsung teammates when they came up big. A rare gem and a great Golden Bear. As tedbear has noted, it's a very tight and close team and they genuinely care about and support each other. "

Amy is already my all time favorite .


Pelton and Penny weep. So fickle.
UrsusArctosCalifornicus
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BearDevil said:

tedbear said:


Amy is already my all time favorite .

Pelton and Penny weep. So fickle.
Hey you had left out Claire Adams & MSH. Poor babies
tedbear
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Penny and MSH are not Bears.........yet! But yeah, If they were, definitely in the top 5. My rankings, 1. Amy 2. Liz 3. Dana 4. Boots 5. Katie
UrsusArctosCalifornicus
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BearDevil said:

Had a brief chat with Farida, who was genuinely surprised to be recognized. Really kind, humble, polite, and gracious. Another classic Bear. She's back in Berkeley through 2020 since the coaching and training is much better than in Egypt. Trains with Vollmer and the current team.
2017 SWAMMY AWARDS: AFRICAN FEMALE SWIMMER OF THE YEAR FARIDA OSMAN



https://swimswam.com/bio/farida-osman/
tedbear
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Hawaii pictures should be coming soon, right UAC?
UrsusArctosCalifornicus
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tedbear said:

Hawaii pictures should be coming soon, right UAC?
Haha I'm still on holiday, so a mite behind the latest going-ons...

But you're spot on there, looks like the team has just landed @ Honolulu Int. airport a couple of hours ago!

Thanks to the new board's embedded insta options, hopefully will make it easier for us all to post an ongoing pictorial log here of what promises to be yet another classic winter training trip for our Bears.


For nostalgia's sake...

  • 2016-2017 Season: Women's Swimming - *Winter Training trip*
    https://bearinsider.com/forums/5/topics/29867
  • Swim team going to Hawaii this yr?
    https://bearinsider.com/forums/5/topics/18583


- Also in the news:

https://instagr.am/p/BdgXNvejk3U

ABBEY WEITZEIL NAMED PAC-12 SWIMMER OF THE MONTH

bearz012
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UrsusArctosCalifornicus
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Seems that Hawaii is a rather popular destination for Div I swim programmes when it comes to winter training trips (hmmm, wonder why? )


Purdue



Boise State
https://instagr.am/p/BdjIPoEAuCO

UCLA



USC
https://instagr.am/p/BdTsUYshj3i
https://instagr.am/p/BdqdPJHHAWs

Wisconsin



Minnesota
https://instagr.am/p/Bdg4myWA1tD

Anyway, whilst the Bear bros are receiving their culinary instructions from Nat @ the OTC (where the Furdettes are also putting in their winter altitude training, I believe):

https://instagr.am/p/BdifhjzFfLV
https://instagr.am/p/BdiTtHgja-a


https://instagr.am/p/BdxnhYwA4aU
https://instagr.am/p/BdxrONmHhVn
https://instagr.am/p/BdyubqoFucy

...our women are hard at work lapping up the rays & waves on Banzai Pipeline @ North Shore Oahu (in between team acapella competitions, slurping on their colourful Shimazu Shave Ice, and hosting a swim clinic for the local kids!):

https://instagr.am/p/BdjUhYUg-O4
https://instagr.am/p/BdjegCKFHSy
https://instagr.am/p/BdjjAkKBO5s
https://instagr.am/p/BdjQrz4ll_i
https://instagr.am/p/BdlP0O4Bfc1
https://instagr.am/p/Bdl0L3njr8W
https://instagr.am/p/Bdl4lVRAVZ4
https://instagr.am/p/Bdl4f6ilPgG
https://instagr.am/p/BdoXAtulQY7
https://instagr.am/p/BdliwuIgRBk


https://instagr.am/p/Bdn7XSngJg2

BearDevil
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Thanks for the Hawaii pics, UAC. Whitney Jorgensen's (Boise State/UOP) brother Adam swam for the Bears.
tedbear
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Amy ! Dang the flames don't show up .
bearz012
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More pics...

https://instagr.am/p/Bdo0WfYBEkJ

https://instagr.am/p/BdojvtygqOB

https://instagr.am/p/BdlXEzjHTlm

https://instagr.am/p/BdoqKR3gS7r
UrsusArctosCalifornicus
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Not to be left out, the dive team's indulging in some high jinks up @ Grand Canyon National Park:

https://instagr.am/p/Bdqx3gEhTHP
https://instagr.am/p/BdqX6W2hDMb
https://instagr.am/p/BdqlbyHjdkb
https://instagr.am/p/Bdq0KLShOLm
https://instagr.am/p/BdsrQpcFlG8
https://instagr.am/p/Bdsc4f9D4N2
https://instagr.am/p/Bdq4S0LBHkN
https://instagr.am/p/BdyJ63CjhMl

--------


Whilst 2018 Baby Bear Alicia's sunning it up in Dubai, as she preps for her American debut at the Austin Pro Swim Series later this week:

https://instagr.am/p/Bdp9OFJH2R8
UrsusArctosCalifornicus
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Cal W Swim's 2018 Winter Training Trip continues with some hard workouts (?) @ Punahou School, Kailua & Kaimana Beach, Makapu'u Beach Park, a punishing but fun 2,000 ft hike up the Kuliouou Ridge Trail, singing competitions (won by the juniors?)...coupled with forays to Giovanni's Shrimp Truck, Surf n Turf Tacos Waikiki, Leonard's Bakery, Dole Plantation, Banan Bowls, Krispy Kreme (following some Shimazu Shave Ices earlier on, of course)...not to overlook revisiting the infamous site of Katie's lil neck accident from 2 trips back... :p

https://instagr.am/p/BduEeQHgV8r




https://instagr.am/p/BdqX7g7DBEO
https://instagr.am/p/BdrEV2DBVja
https://instagr.am/p/BdrMedCH8Qr
https://instagr.am/p/BdqZ2DrhHmx
https://instagr.am/p/BdqsX9Tlbnk
https://instagr.am/p/Bdt1BzsAxnd
https://instagr.am/p/Bdsz3ZggA6-
https://instagr.am/p/BdtaS0QlUT0
https://instagr.am/p/BdqZmHZHDa0
https://instagr.am/p/BdrCysIg6_g
https://instagr.am/p/BdqVTGLDnF3

UrsusArctosCalifornicus
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https://instagr.am/p/BdwJYnIH_SJ
https://instagr.am/p/Bdv_qSHg4WH
https://instagr.am/p/Bdy_mI-gddB
https://instagr.am/p/Bdv_t0jg7Ef
https://instagr.am/p/BdwuRi4ABGa
https://instagr.am/p/BdyxtrRAOsA
https://instagr.am/p/BdyyA4Iltg1
https://instagr.am/p/BdwEYLnFisr
https://instagr.am/p/BdzGDn4gn5F









https://instagr.am/p/BdwM_C4HNBI


https://instagr.am/p/BdwHo_xj-lq


https://instagr.am/p/Bdv7ruKlCj_



https://instagr.am/p/BdyqmmkAjYi
https://instagr.am/p/BdzE7BWBf8p






https://instagr.am/p/BdwqPvlDssV

 
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