The Lions and Columbia swimming are gearing up for the new millennium and head coach Jim Bolster believes that the Lions could be bringing their own version of the big bang theory to the Percy Uris pool this year. "We have the returning veterans and an exciting group of freshmen to continue building our foundation for the new millennium," Bolster stated. "We have made significant improvements over the last two years and this year should be no different." Whatever success the Lions achieve this season could be a result of leadership and experience from the senior class. In particular tri-captains, Daniel Brown, Gered Doherty and P.J. Freuler will lead the wave of talented mermen. The freestyle and diving corps will probably be the Light Blue's biggest point producers, but the stroke and I.M. races will feature several outstanding individuals as well. Brown, a finalist on both boards last year, returns to take charge of the most talented threesome of divers in the league. He will be flanked by junior Mark Fichera, last year's EISL Champion and runner-up in the one and three meter boards and sophomore Stuart Machir, a one meter finalist and consolation finalist in the three meter. "We were undefeated in league competition last year," said diving coach Gordon Spencer. "It would be nice to continue that trend while learning new dives that could take us to the next level." Speaking of the next level, several of the Lion freestylers may already be there, especially the sprinters. "We will be counting on them for many points in both individual and relay events," Bolster said. Doherty, a senior, is perhaps the most impressive of them all. Coming off of a victory in the 100 free (44.66) at last season's EISL meet, he will be looking to add titles in the 50 free and 100 fly as well. He will lead what may be the Lions' fastest group of sprinters ever. Fellow senior, Russell Perkins, junior Matt Schultz and sophomores Jason Adelstein and Hamish Greenaway will be the seconds in command to Doherty. According to Bolster these guys are filled with potential. "We have an awesome collection of speed and talent. I would be surprised if this group did not rewrite the record book from the 50 free to the 400 free relay". Although the sprinters will be counted on for most of the points, a fast developing trio of middle distance men could be the keys to a successful year for the Lions. Sophomores Peter Armstrong, Adam Reynolds and Colin Shannahan, all gained valuable experience as part of the 800 free relay last year, are the young Lions the Light Blue will lean on. Armstrong, the Lions' most outstanding freshman a year ago, did not really get the chance to focus on the 200. "We had to use Peter in many different events last year but if we are able to let him concentrate on his best events then I think he will make a big difference this year," Bolster said. If he should struggle then Reynolds and Shannahan should be right there to pick up any slack. If there is a chance for any slack in the freestyle events it could come in the distance races. Distance mainstay Chris Ferris graduated, leaving things in the hands of two sophomores, Jonathan Fischer and Jason Reichard. Both have EISL experience but will really have to step it up if the Lions are to prevail. Both Fischer and Reichard scored valuable points at last season's championship meet and the Lions will look for them to continue their success. Tri-captain Freuler will be the Lions' workhorse in the backstroke and I.M. events. An EISL scorer in both the 200 back and 400 I.M. at last year's championship, Freuler has improved steadily in both events each year. This year the expectations will be no different if the Lions are to remain competitive. Freuler will get plenty of help from varsity record holder Matt Schultz in the 100 backstroke while Armstrong and returning senior Phil Daniels will support Freuler in the 200 I.M. Armstrong will also be a force for the Light Blue in the butterfly events. A finalist in the 200 fly and a consolation finalist in the 100 fly, Armstrong will be asked to fill the shoes of Peter Leong, the Lions' top flyer for the past three seasons. He will get more than adequate assistance from three fellow sophomores, Jeff Klein, Matt O'Donnell and Adam Reynolds. Reynolds, who scored in the 200 at last year's championships, improved over 14 seconds during the course of the season while Klein and O'Donnell scored important points in dual meets. In the sprint fly Armstrong will be backed up by Doherty, a finalist last season, and another senior, Kevin Schwartz, who is returning from a semester abroad. There is good news for the breaststroke unit. Last year's Achilles heel may have become the Lions' Gibraltar. With the addition of two freshmen and returning veteran Phil Daniels, Columbia may finally have the talent and the depth to score key dual meet points. The top gun will be sophomore Bud Kraft, an extremely hard worker. Kraft made huge strides last year in the 200 breast by dropping almost 16 seconds over the course of the year. Along with the two freshmen, Kraft and senior Omar El Dessouky, the Lions should be vastly improved. Daniels is back from a junior year abroad and will team up with Kraft to provide a significant one-two punch in the sprint breast races. "Overall I am excited about our prospects," Bolster said. "For the first time in several years we don't have any glaring weaknesses. Our diving and sprint free events are exceptional and everything else is very solid. With hard work, a little luck, good health and some good old fun we should be able to continue our progress towards the top."