Oct. 19, 2005
While the Fairfield University men's swimming and diving team finished the 2004-05 season with a 3-7 overall record, Head Coach Bill Farley has high hopes for this season's squad. The Stags are bringing back nine key contributors, while only losing one swimmer. The team will also feature several talented newcomers as well as a strong core of seasoned divers.
Backstroke The backstroke should be Fairfield's strongest event as sophomore Rob Wilhoit returns to the team after a breakout freshman campaign. Last season, Wilhoit broke four school records, setting new standards in the 100- and 200-yard back as well as the 100- and 200-meter back. Joining Wilhoit in the back will be sophomore Brian Lloyd, senior Matthew McAndrew and freshman Matt Rimmer. "Brian improved a lot last season, and Matt McAndrew will give us some good depth in the back events," said Farley. "We also expect good things out of Matt Rimmer this season."
IM/Breaststroke Seniors Raul Delgadillo and Sean Killelea will lead the squad in both the IM and the breaststroke events. Delgadillo holds three individual school records, owning the 200-yard and 200-meter IM records as well as the 200-meter breast. Likewise, Killelea has set the school mark in both the 400-yard and 400-meter IM. "Raul and Sean are not only the IM record holders, but they are the best breaststrokers on the team and they will make us very competitive in those events," Farley said.
Middle/Distance Freestyle The middle and distance freestyle events should have good depth as they feature junior Tom Scappaticci, and sophomores Sean McGonigle and Rob Devine. "Tom is a veteran swimmer for us and continues to get stronger," Farley said. "Sean and Rob both showed great improvement over the course of last season and I expect that progress to continue."
Sprint Freestyle When they are swimming the back, McAndrew and Rimmer will be joining Mark Paciotti in the sprint free events. "I think we will be much better in the sprints this year as I expect good things from Matt McAndrew and Mark and I suspect that Matt Rimmer will be able to help a lot," said Farley.
Butterfly The Stags will be relying on a freshman to lead them in the fly as Jack Folcarelli will take on the bulk of the fly events while Delgadillo will provide some depth. "While we'll be young in the fly, I still think we will be better in it than we were last year," Farley said.
The Divers
Fairfield returns to all of its divers from last season, including senior standout Rob Penwell. Last season at the MAAC Championship, Penwell scored 217.90 points on the one-meter board to finish fourth overall while registering 318.00 points on the three meter board for a seventh-place finish. Junior Diego Ibarra also finished in the top 10 in both events while senior Jon Barrett took 11th place on both boards at the MAACs. Junior Russ Laub will also provide depth as he has shown steady improvement.
"This is the largest men's team that I've coached in several years and I'm looking for a tremendous season from them," said Diving Coach Dan Vener. "I anticipate that the seniors will rely on their wisdom and diving experience to carry them through the year while guiding and mentoring the underclassmen."
