Jan. 24, 2005

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The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee women's swimming and diving team hosts its second-straight meet this weekend, when Western Illinois University visits the Klotsche Center for a dual meet on Saturday (Jan. 29). The Westerwinds and Panthers, who have hosted just one other meet this season, hit the pool at 2 p.m.

A Look At WIU

Western Illinois remains one of the top teams in the Mid-Continent Conference, finishing among the top two at eight of the last nine conference meets, including this past December. That run includes a Mid-Con title in 1998-99. The Westerwinds have, however, struggled in dual meet action this season, bringing a 1-5 mark into this week.

Last Time Out

Junior Julie Olson and sophomore Lindsay Caldwell combined for four top finishes and three pool records to lead UWM to third place at the annual Bill Ritter Invitational. The Panthers also benefited from strong diving performances, including the one-meter event, where Milwaukee had four among the top five finishers.

Welcome Back

Head coach Dave Clark is glad to have Julie Olson back in the line up after missing the first semester. Since re-joining the team in Florida Olson has won four-of-six events competed in. That figure includes wins at each meet and last weekend when she won the 100 and 200 backstroke at the Ritter Invite.

Record-Breaking Duo

Last weekend, Julie Olson and Lindsay Caldwell continued record-breaking performances that began when they arrived at UWM. Olson eclipsed the Klotsche Center Pool mark in the 200 back at the Ritter Invite, while Caldwell reset the 100 breast and 50 free standards as well. The record-breaking weekend gives Olson a hand in 10 school records and Caldwell an impressive 13. Olson holds school 100 and 200 backstroke marks for both freshman and varsity, and the 100 butterfly varsity record. Caldwell, on the other hand, has broken three varsity records this season, to go along with a trio of freshman standards and now three pool marks. The pair has also swam together on four of the five school-record relays.

Saluting Seniors

As the last regular season home meet, this weekend's dual meet will serve as senior day for a pair of senior captains, Kim Bach and Cathy Honeyager. Bach is a two-time team captain, while she has been honored with the team's Strength & Conditioning honor as a sophomore and junior. Also honored by her teammates, Honeyager has been awarded the team's "Work Horse" and Captain's Award the last two seasons, respectively.

2005 League Championships

For the second time in four years Milwaukee will play host to the Horizon League Championships at the Schroeder YMCA in Brown Deer, Wis. The last time UWM played host to the league meet was 2001, also at the Schroeder YMCA. UWM hopes history can repeat itself, as it won its only league title in 2001.

Up Next

There is no rest for the weary, as the Panthers head to Green Bay, Wis., Feb. 5 for their fourth-straight weekend of action since returning from Florida. UWM takes on league and in-state rival UW-Green Bay in dual meet action.