Swimming and diving holds first practice

FAYETTEVILLE – The University of Arkansas swimming and diving team held its first practice at 2:30 p.m. Monday afternoon to mark the beginning of the 2007-08 season. Practice for the Lady Razorbacks continues this week from 2:30-5 p.m. “We’re all very excited about getting started with season,” said head swimming and diving coach Jeff Poppell. “The team has a totally different look and dynamic than in the past, plus a lot more bodies and a lot more talent.” The 2007-08 squad returns 13, led by seniors Emily Gregory, Katie McGraw and Tifanie Silver. Joining the roster are 12 newcomers including all-Americans, state champions and U.S. Olympic Trials qualifiers. Arkansas swimming and diving is coming off of one of its most impressive seasons in recent years, turning in 89 personal-best times and finishing the season with a 4-4 regular season dual meet record. The 2007-08 recruiting class nearly doubles the size of the swimming roster and was ranked fifth in the nation by CollegeSwimming.com. Four incoming freshmen, Jamie Marks, Ashley Largo, Katie Kastes and Erica Totten, were named to the CollegeSwimming.com Top 100 Recruits list. The 2007-08 season gets underway in October as the Lady’Backs conduct a Red-White meet on Oct. 6 before hosting Georgia and North Texas at the Arkansas Natatorium Oct. 12. Admission is free to the public. For more information about Arkansas swimming and diving, please log on to LADYBACKS.COM.