"Columbia Swimming will welcome one of its most talented freshmen classes ever," says coach Jim Bolster. Ten swimmers and one diver comprise the group of eleven. There is one Olympic Trial and Senior National qualifier, seven Junior National qualifiers, two YMCA national qualifiers and one walk-on. "We are looking forward to the contributions of this group, "claims Bolster. " I am not sure if we have ever had this many talented newcomers in one recruiting class. If everyone stays healthy and develops the way we believe they can then we should get some significant contributions from the class of 2004!" Perhaps the most talented of the bunch hails from San Antonio, TX. Reid Evans, a two time Texas states champion in the 100 backstroke (50.30) and the 100 free (45.7) arrives on campus after an extremely successful summer of competition. While finishing second in the 100 meter backstroke at the junior national west meet Evans attained the Olympic Trial cut. Although his Olympic Trial swim was not quite what he was looking for Evans should be able to parlay the experience gained into a successful freshman season. Not far behind Evans in level of talent is a strong supporting cast of seven Junior National qualifiers. In particular there are three sprinters, one backstroker, one i.m. specialist, one breaststroker and one diver. Charles Cantanach, Nashville, TN enrolls with the most impressive credentials of the bunch. His 20.72 performance in the 50 free at the Tennessee High School State meet makes him the fastest incoming freshman in Columbia's swimming history. Cantanach's talent does not stop there as he is expected to contribute in the 100 and 200 freestyles along with the 100 fly. Not far behind are Scott Ingram, Whitefish Bay, WI, and Andrew Maclusky, Ontario, Canada. Ingram was the Wisconsin High School State champion in both the 50 free (21.4) and the 100 free (47.2) while Maclusky who arrives from New Jersey by way of Canada was a Junior National qualifier in the 50 free (21.5) and the 100 free (47.01). Along with Evans these three sprinters could form a formidable gang for the years ahead. Ben Landrum, also from San Antionia, TX looks to return to his top form following a shoulder injury that kept him out the water for his senior year. Landrum, a Junior National performer in the 200 meter backstroke (210.3) will team up with Mike Bazylewicz, Manchester, MA, to provide the Lions a strong backstroke tandem. Bazylewicz a YMCA National finalist in the 200 backstroke (154.9) "has made tremendous strides in the past year, and will be called upon to continue that development," says Bolster. Mike will also be asked to swim some distance freestyle. Here he will team up with Boise, ID, Nick Clements. Like Bazylewicz, Clements excelled at the YMCA National level, and was heavily recruited for his potential. "Both of these guys have great attitudes and are hard workers," claims Bolster. "We think they will become continue to develop and become a terrific one-two punch in the distance events. We are delighted to have them with us." Langhorne, PA and Dix Hills, NY have each contributed a Michael Lee to the class of 2004. Similar to Catanach and Evans, Michael Lee from Langhorne comes with credentials that make him the fastest ever incoming freshman in his event. A 400 i.m. (4:03.5) specialist, Lee will provide the Lions with some much needed help in this area. "He can also swim the 200 i.m. and 200 back," according to Bolster. "We think Michael is versatile enough to swim several different events. If he is willing to develop some better work habits and increase his training load we think he can become one of the leagues best." Michael Lee from Dix Hills, NY is yet another sprinter to join the Lions this fall. "He is a hard working kid," observes Bolster. "Should he continue to develop, he could be a surprise addition to our sprint corps. New England, always a fertile ground for swimmers and divers, brings two such talents to the class of '04. Chris Guerin from Winchester, MA and Bernal's Gator Swim Club should pay immediate dividends to the breaststroke unit while diver Scott Troob from Wakefield, RI will be asked to help replace the graduated Daniel Brown. Guerin, although a breaststroker by trade is not afraid to race at any distance or event. "One of the most encouraging aspects of Chris' profile," says Bolster "is his USS background." "He comes from a program where the kids are taught not to fear anything. We like that about Chris and we will give him every opportunity to swim other events." Troob, a Junior National Zone qualifier off the boards has the difficult task of trying to replace Daniel Brown. "Scott has his work cut out for him," says diving coach Gordon Spencer. "Brown was a top eight finalist on both board in his last two years. While it's not fair to put that kind of pressure on Scott we definitely believe that he can develop to that level and beyond." Columbia Swimming has made significant improvement over the past few years. The 1999-2000 season represented one of the greatest ever. We might not have Olympic Trial qualifiers, NCAA scorers and six conference champions every year," quips Bolster, "but those are good standards to strive for." "We have definitely raised the level of expectations around here and that is great. The class of '04 has every right to believe that they will meet these standards and beyond," thinks Bolster. "We are looking forward to working with this class, to watching them grow and develop as individuals and swimmers." Indeed, Columbia Swimming has started it's own big bang. The future appears to be in good hands with the class of 2004!