Swimming heads to Washington for Husky Invitational

November 28, 2012

University Relations

Jamie Foland
474-6807

Following a three-week period with no outside competition, the Alaska women's swim team travels down to Federal Way, Wash., to compete in the 64th annual Husky Invitational, which takes place Nov. 30 through Dec. 2 at the Weyerhauser King County Aquatic Center.

“This is the 14th week of the season so it's a good time to rest, shave, put on some high-tech suits and swim fast,” head coach Scott Lemley said. “The Husky has 977 swimmers entered and we're seeded very well in the relays and some of our swimmers are seeded high individually as well.”

The Nanooks will swim against other Division II programs as well as other clubs from around the country.

Last year, Alaska finished third out of eight NCAA Division II programs and 12th among every team or club competing. The swimmers broke six total varsity records, four of which were individual event, at the 2011 event. The Nanooks turned in eight top-10 finishes, including top-five showings in five separate races.

This time around, Alaska is seeded highly in each of the relays as well as some individual events.

“I think we have the chance of coming out of it with one of the fastest relays in the country,” Lemley said. “We haven't had the chance to rest yet, so if four swimmers are on, we'll have a very fast relay down there.”

He continued, “I told them last year I took it easy on them because they were mostly freshmen. They realized that and expected to work at a higher rate. We should see some pretty spectacular swims.”