Press Release courtesy of FGCU Athletics
After opening the year on a strong note, the FGCU swimming and diving team continues its season with arguably its toughest matchup in non-conference action. The Eagles are back on the road to face the #15 Florida Gators at the Stephen C. O’Connell Center Natatorium on Saturday, Nov. 4, at 10 a.m.
The meet be streamed on SEC Network + and WatchESPN. A link to the broadcast will be posted on FGCUAthletics.com and Twitter @FGCU_WSwim as soon as it becomes available. Additionally, real-time results are scheduled to be available on the Meet Mobile app.
It will mark the first time in nearly nine years that FGCU and UF have faced each other. The last time they met was on Jan. 31, 2009, when the Gators topped the Eagles, 84-28. The Green and Blue will be looking to even the score, and in the process push their record to 4-0 to start the year. A schedule of events is included at the end of this release.
Last season the Gators did not score any points at the NCAA Championships, but have already started this season strong. In addition to their #15 national ranking by CollegeSwimming.com, the Gators check in at #20 in the official CSCAA Coaches Poll. The SEC powerhouse recently turned in a win against conference foe Alabama, 166-134.
“Racing a top-20 program is important in our progress as a program,” said FGCU head coach Dave Rollins. “It’s a great opportunity for our athletes to compete with some of the best in the country. This will be a great test and experience for us to see our progress and make adjustments heading into our mid-season invitational.”
This weekend will also be the first scoring opportunity for the FGCU diving team. After competing in an exhibition against Rutgers to open their season, and not traveling to Jacksonville for a tri-meet with North Florida and Campbell, the team of five looks to start their season on a high note against Florida. Freshmen Megan Wakefield (Guelph, Ontario/Centennial CVI) and Melissa Novak (Frederick, Md./Oakdale HS) are scheduled to make their first appearances as members of the Green and Blue.
FGCU has already taken down one Power 5 school this year as the Eagles claimed a 199-116 victory over Rutgers on Oct. 6-7. The Green and Blue followed that up with a pair of victories over conference foes North Florida (179-81) and Campbell (159-98) on Oct. 21.
In addition to the team success to start the year, junior Gracie Redding was named the CCSA Women’s Swimmer of the Week on Oct. 10 after posting five 1st-place finishes against Rutgers.Redding (Orlando, Fla./Florida State/The First Academy) continued her dominance through the following competition, recording wins in the 100 butterfly, 200 medley relay and 400 freestyle relay versus UNF and Campbell.
The meet against UF will be the last dual meet for FGCU in November. The Eagles will return to the pool for the mid-season Ohio State Invitational in Columbus Nov. 17-19.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS vs. FLORIDA
Event: FGCU Season-Best Time
200 Medley Relay: Eichhorn, Halmai, Redding, Burdge – 1:44.98
1000 Free: Linda Shaw – 10:36.02
200 Free: Cassidy Fry – 1:52.77
100 Back: Doris Eichhorn – 56.63
100 Breast: Petra Halmai – 1:04.72
200 Fly: Christina Kaas Elmgreen – 2:01.60
50 Free: Gracie Redding – 23.62
3M Diving
100 Free: Gracie Redding – 51.36
200 Back: Doris Eichhorn- 2:04.67
200 Breast: Petra Halmai – 2:19.76
500 Free: Elizabeth Zeiger – 5:01.93
100 Fly: Cassidy Fry – 55.34
1M Diving
200 IM: Petra Halmai – 2:05.76
400 Free Relay: Wong, Redding, Moynihan, Burdge – 3:26.67
IRMA RELIEF DONATIONS
In the wake of Hurricane Irma, many individuals and families throughout Southwest Florida are still in desperate need of assistance. To aid in those relief efforts, FGCU Athletics will be collecting donations at all Eagle home games for the immediate future. Donation items most needed include: non-perishable food, clothing, household items and first-aid supplies. Additionally, those unable to attend upcoming home games can drop off donations in canisters located in the Alico Arena lobby. All donations will be given to those hardest hit in Lee and Collier counties.
FOLLOW ALONG
For up-to-date coverage of FGCU women’s swimming and diving, follow us on Twitter @FGCU_WSWIM and visit www.FGCUAthletics.com where full recaps and results will be available.
HEAD COACH DAVE ROLLINS
In his first year with the program in 2016-17, head coach Dave Rollins led FGCU to its eighth CCSA Championship in a span of nine years and guided the Eagles 200 free relay team to All-American honors. FGCU registered points at the NCAA Championships for the fourth-straight season and ultimately turned in its third-best finish all-time (T-41st). Prior to FGCU, Rollins was the associate head men’s swimming coach at Ohio State University and brought 10 years of coaching experience at the club, high school and collegiate levels. A standout collegiate athlete in his own right, Rollins was a nine-time NCAA All-American and national champion as a member of the University of Arizona swimming & diving team from 2002-06.
SUPPORT THE CAUSE
FGCU Athletics sponsors events throughout the year to benefit the FGCU Campus Food Pantry (www.fgcu.edu/foodpantry) and the Harry Chapin Food Bank (www.harrychapinfoodbank.org), FGCU Athletics’ charities of choice. For more information, including how to make a contribution, please visit www.fgcu.edu/foodpantry and utilize the hashtag #FeedFGCU to help raise awareness.