Lady'Backs Set for Season Opener

FAYETTEVILLE-The University of Arkansas swimming and diving team begins the 2005-06 season, Saturday, Oct. 15, at noon inside the Arkansas Natatorium when the Lady Razorbacks host Nebraska.

The Cornhuskers lead the all-time series 4-5 but the Lady’Backs won the last meeting, 150-90. This year’s contest marks the first dual-meet for the schools since the 1991-92 season.

Arkansas swimming head coach Anne Goodman James said her crew is anxious to begin the year after weeks of practice.

“I think the team is excited because they’ve been putting in some phenomenal training and they’re ready to have a little outlet for that,” she said. “I’m very encouraged by the effort that they give in practice and I’ve very encouraged by what I saw in the Red and White meet.”

Eight Lady’Backs are making their collegiate debut. This season’s team only has three upperclassmen including lone senior Angela Kora.

Against Nebraska, Goodman James said she expects good things from the newest Lady’Backs along with three returning members that redshirted last season. Junior swimmer Kristen Thibodeaux and freshmen divers Madison Palmer and Kellyn Williams return to competition after missing the 2004-05 season.

“I think we’ll see some huge contributions from the new members of our team as well as some people who were redshirted last year,” Goodman James said. “Nebraska is a great team. They are very well-balanced. They’re exceptionally strong in the distance freestyle events and they’re real deep in the sprint freestyle events.”

For more information on Arkansas swimming and diving, log on to LADYBACKS.COM.