The Newcomers

"The class of 2000 has some great qualities," claims Coach Bolster. "Not only do we have a lot (10 swimmers and 1 diver) of swimmers, but we also appear to have a lot of swimmers with great attitudes, the combination of which could lead to some exciting results." The new group does indeed add significant numbers to the team size, and if their penchant for hard work holds true, they will have much to say about how well the Lions do this year.

Perhaps the most talented of the freshmen, Peter Leong adds some international flavor to the first year class. A standout swimmer in his home country, Singapore, Leong could not arrive a better time. The Lions have struggled in the 200 fly event for the past few years. In fact, no Lion swimmer has made the finals at Easterns in this event since 1989. "Leong, however, could change all of this," thinks Bolster. He will have plenty of support from teammates Gered Doherty (Sterling Heights, MI) and Kevin Schwartz (West Bloomfield, MI) both of whom were Michigan State finalists a year ago. Doherty and Schwartz will focus primarily on the 100 fly while Leong will do both the 100 and 200.

Several Junior National qualifiers will join the breaststroke ranks. In particular, Joe Rudler (Erie, PA) and Phil Daniels (Walnut, CA) stand out. Rudler qualified in both the 100 and 200 yard events for last year's Jr. National East meet, while Daniels was a qualifier in the 100 at Jr. Nationals West. The experience should help both handle the pressures of college racing. Not far behind these two are Omar El Dessouky (Milpitos, CA) and Matt Einbinder (Murray Hill, NJ), who with further development co uld give the Lions four solid talents.

Sprint talent arrives with the class of 2000 as well. From New York's state capital (Albany, NY) hails Mike Kinnally, a Junior National Qualifier in the 50 free. Kinnally placed third in last year's 50 free at the state meet and will be called upon to a dd the 100 free, 100 fly, and 100 back races to his resume this year. Joining Kinnally in the sprint races will be Leong and Doherty. Doherty, a Junior National qualifier in the 50 is "raw talent," according to Bolster. "He has the tools to develop int o a tremendous force in this league." A three sport star in high school, football and baseball being the others, Doherty has elected to concentrate on swimming, a decision no doubt the coach is quite pleased with.

Another New Yorker, Daniel Brown, hails from the state's largest city, New York. A diver, Brown will fill a major void in the Lions' dual meet line-up and should help the Lions win many a dual meet. A talented drummer who grew up diving with coach Gordo n Spencer, Brown has the potential to develop into an Eastern finalist and perhaps an NCAA qualifier.

"I am excited to work with this group," states Bolster. "they are not the most talented group we have ever had entering, but if their work ethic continues, they will certainly be the most talented upon their graduation!" Their development this year will be the key to the Lions' final results, which they expect will keep them on course to contend for another league title and will also bring them a few NCAA qualifiers. "1996-97 should be an exciting, fast, and fun year to be a Lion!" exuberates Bolster.