Press Release courtesy of FGCU Athletics.
Hosting its annual Green-Blue Scrimmage, the FGCU women’s swimming and diving team kicked off its season against each other on Saturday with the Blue Team winning, 226-205.
Among the 17 events held, 10 different meet records were made, including Elizabeth Zeiger (Cumberland, Rhode Island), who broke two meet records, and Doris Eichhorn (Berlin, Germany), who also broke a pair of records.
“The Green-Blue Scrimmage is an excellent opportunity for our team to work on comradery and build a lot of team spirit,” said head coach Dave Rollins. “We competed in a lot of different events that we don’t normally swim throughout the season, and it is a lot of fun to see us race in a different capacity. Overall, it was great seeing so many meet records get broken and witnessing the improvement our team has had from last year to this year.”
Hannah Soutar (Edinburgh, Scotland/Broughton HS) broke her previous meet records in the 150 free, and Christina Kaas Elmgreen (Charlottenlund, Denmark/ Ordrup Gymnasium) reset her own record in the 150 fly, leading three swimmers under the former record. Gracie Redding (Orlando, Fla./The First Academy) and Lindsay Manganiello (Miami Fla./Coral Reef Senior HS) also broke meet records in the 50 free and the 50 kick, respectively.
In the 200 medley relay, Eichorn, Redding, Karin Schienvar (Holmdel New Jersey/Holmdel H.S.) and Rebecca Moynihan (Palmerston North, New Zealand/Waiopehu College)combined to set a meet record for the Green Team.
The Eagles will begin the regular season on Friday, Oct. 6, at 4 p.m. in a two-day event against Rutgers at the FGCU Aquatics Center.
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, beginning with both of this weekend’s women’s soccer matches. 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
Entering his second season at the helm of the Green and Blue, Dave Rollins became the FGCU head coach on Sept. 1, 2016. In his first year with the program, Rollins led the Eagles 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 The 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.