2009-10 Seton Hall Men's Swimming and Diving Preview
10/16/2009 12:00:00 AM | Men's Swimming and Diving
In his ninth season as head coach, Ron Farina witnessed 87% of his roster record BIG EAST qualifying times, saw the men's teams finish their third straight 8-2 campaign, and traveled with eight members of the men's team to Atlanta to compete in the USA Swimming Short Course Nationals where they shattered six school records, a conference record, and place eighth overall ahead of Big 10 power-house Indiana.
Coming off a satisfying season, the 10th-year coach knows there is still work to be done.
"Even though the men's team finished with an 8-2 record, we are hoping to win some BIG EAST titles and individual titles, and continue to move up in the rankings," said Farina. "For both teams, it comes down to consistency in practice and training."
Coaches
In addition to Farina, returning will be his top assistant Kevin Mullaney as well as volunteer assistant Peter Economou, and diving coach Mike Almasri.
Economou and Almasri begin their fourth seasons at the coaching ranks following stellar careers under Farina at the Hall, while Mullaney enters his second season after coaching one season at The College of Holy Cross proceeding his four-year career at the Massachusetts school.
"Having at least two assistants with the program for two or three years has really solidified the staff," mentioned Farina. "Together, we are beginning to gel and be on the same page as our athletes, which will make the team a better group."
Joining Farina and his assistants for her first season will be McKenzie Kruk.
"McKenzie will be a nice addition to our staff," said Farina. "She swam at the Division I level at Loyola-Marymount and will give a fresh perspective to the team.
Despite the graduations of Angelo D'Errico, Brianna Plaza, Matt Rienzo, and Christine Zuffante, the men's and women's swimming team will continue to provide experience to their roster when the new season begins.
Swimming
Stan Sadovski will lead the men's team into the pool following a stand-out junior campaign. The sprint freestyler from Brooklyn finished his junior year with eight top times, en route to breaking the school records in the 50 and 100-yard freestyle events and capturing his third straight BIG EAST qualifying time. Joining him at the sprint freestyle position will be juniors Nick Naumann and Mike Oldham. Both have qualified for the BIG EAST each of the past two seasons and will be the perfect complement to Sadovski.
Junior standout and Seton Hall's 2008-09 Male Athlete of the Year Kevin Webster will continue to swim the distance freestyle, backstroke, and individual medley events. During his past two seasons, the Kansas native has already recorded 39 first place finishes, shattered six school records, broke one conference record, and was nationally ranked as high as 22nd and 35th in the 200-yard individual medley and 100-yard backstroke, respectively.
"Kevin is going to be where ever we need him," said Farina. "His main focus this season is going to be competing for a BIG EAST championship and hopefully advancing to the NCAA championships."
Joining Webster in the freestyle events will be senior Jason Benson, sophomores Andrew Dennis, Peter Gingeleskie, and Matt Holland, as well as freshmen Austin Acheson and Ian Keyser.
Benson, a two-time BIG EAST Championship qualifier, has posted 20 top three times in the past two seasons, and is prepared to take the senior leadership role. Dennis, Gingeleskie, and Holland each contributed to the eight win season a year ago with BIG EAST qualifying times, while Acheson and Keyser will provide depth to the positions.
In addition to their primary positions, Webster, Benson and Naumann will compete in the backstroke events for the 2009-10 men's squad.
The breaststroke events will be led by junior Kenny Pritchard who is coming off two BIG EAST Championship qualifying seasons. He will be looked upon to lead the young squad with freshman Ryan O'Shaughnessy joining the team.
Junior John D'Errico will lead the butterfly events and will also join Webster and O'Shaughnessy in the individual medley events. D'Errico, a two-time BIG EAST Championship qualifier, has watched his brother lead by example the past two seasons, and is prepared to take on the same role as he will mentor Brian Pauling a freshman who was brought onto the squad by Farina and his staff to swim the butterfly events.
"The expectations for the men's team remain high," said Farina. "It's difficult to replace guys like Angelo and Matt, however the addition of the freshman class will add quality depth and versatility."
Diving
Leading the charge this season will be senior P.J. Hughes followed by sophomore Will Penny. Hughes was able to stay healthy last season recording a personal best in the 3-meter event and his first BIG EAST Championship qualifying score. Penny came on strong in his rookie campaign to earn three first place scores and give the Pirates much needed points on their 8-2 year.
"This year, as in years past, we are looking for a total team effort," said Farina. "We are confident that each swimmer and diver will play their part in the team's success."
