The Newcomers

"One of the more interesting and exciting aspects to any new swimming season is the contribution of the incoming class," comments 19th year head coach Bolster. "You can never be too sure how the kids are going to adjusts to their new environment but we feel there are several members of the class of 2006 that can make significant contributions." With thirteen freshmen and one transfer sporting the Light Blue colors in 2003 it appears highly likely that Bolster's predictions will ring true.

Rusty Corley, Matt Klausmeier and Mat Rothway arrived with the most impressive credentials. Corley, a two time Alabama state champion in the 50 and 100 free will give the Lions tremendous front line strength and depth in the sprint events. "The addition of Rusty is a real coup for us," says Bolster. "We feel he is going to make a difference in our dual meet approach and he gives our relays the fourth true sprinter we have been seeking." Meanwhile Klausmeier and Rothway will provide the Lions with more versatility. Klausmeier (Austin, TX) by way of Randy Reese's Circle C Swim team can swim the IM's, the 500 free and the 200 backstroke. "We see Matt making an immediate on almost any event we put him in," notes Bolster. "He will probably get most of his action, however, in the 200 back and 400 IM." Mat Rothway (Walnut Creek, CA) has a resume similar to Klausmeier's. "Matt can swim a wide variety of races raging from the 100 breast all the way up to the 400 IM," explains the coach. "More than likely, though, we will use him in the 200 IM and some of our relays."

The Lions' backstroke unit will be further strengthened by the additions of Craig Battin and Carter Crosby. Battin (Henderson, NV) and Crosby (Tampa, FL) have plenty of experience at the junior national level and should team up Klausmeier to give the Lions' a solid nucleus. "We are very pleased to have Craig and Carter with us," reports Bolster. "We believe they have much untapped potential and are ready to explode on the college swimming scene. Their development will be important to our overall success."

The yearlong development of the Lions' new freestylers and butterflyers will also play a critical role in the Lions' success, especially at the dual meet level. In particular freestylers Dave Bazylewicz, Charles Curran, Steve Kunen, Adam Lehenbauer and Andrew Ziccardi will bring added depth while flyers Blaz Hanley and Johnny Hessler should add some front line strength. Bazylewicz (Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA) and Lehenbauer (Davenport, IA) will contribute primarily in the distance events. "Both of these guys appear psyched to make a difference in our program," lauds Bolster. "There are some great swimming genes in Dave's family and Adam likes to train the 1650! That looks like the perfect mix of talent and desire; let's trust that we can produce the desired results." Ziccardi (Glen Ridge, NJ) brings much Y National level experience to the sprinting core and should prosper working alongside Corely and the rest of the Lions' speed demons. Curran (Kansas City, MO) and Kunen (Staten Island, NY) are walk-ons that have shown some early season promise.

"Blaz Hanley and Johnny Hessler," part of the class of 2006's California contingent, "will have an immediate impact on our fly ranks," claims Bolster. "We feel they have the ability to be one of the best fly tandems in the league." Hanley (Soquel, CA) and Hessler (Los Altos, CA) have brothers in the league who have done quite well. The Light Blue are hoping these two will keep the family tradition alive.

Not to be under estimated will be the contributions of John McGrath and transfer Parker Barnum. McGrath (Randolph, MA) a Y National finalist and Barnum (Hyde Park, NY) a division III All-America while at Clark College will infuse the breaststroking crew with plenty of ability and enthusiasm. "We see both of these guys as major players," remarks Bolster. "John will probably have more of an impact in the 200 while Parker's impact will be on the relays and in the 100." McGrath can also swim some IM and distance free and will more than likely get the chance to help out in those events.

The 2002-2003 edition of Columbia Swimming looks to be another strong team. "Our end result will very much be of the hands of the class of 2006 and our transfer," predicts coach Bolster. "We have all the ingredients to have a tremendous season, but most importantly our newcomers must rise to the challenge." The numbers and the talent appear to be there. If what has happened in the new millennium to date is any indication for what is in store for 2003 the Lions' will have plenty of ROAR!