Virginia Swimming And Diving Teams Set To Open Season

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Oct. 24, 2002

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – The University of Virginia men’s and women’s swimming and diving teams, under the direction of 25th-year head coach Mark Bernardino, will open their 2002-2003 schedule by hosting South Carolina Saturday (October 26) at 1:00 p.m. at the UVa Aquatic and Fitness Center. The one-meter diving competition will commence at 11:30 a.m.

The UVa men’s team is coming off an outstanding 2001-2002 season. The Cavaliers finished a program-best 11th at the 2002 NCAA Championships and also won their fourth-consecutive Atlantic Coast Conference Championship. It also marked the fourth-consecutive year UVa has placed in the top 15 at NCAAs. In dual meet competition, Virginia was 8-2 overall and a perfect 5-0 in the ACC. With 22 letter winners returning, including eight All-Americans, as well as an excellent first-year class, the Cavaliers will again be one of the elite teams in the country.

The Cavalier women also turned in an impressive season in 2001-2002. Virginia finished 12th at the 2002 NCAA Championships, marking its fourth-consecutive top 12 finish at the national meet. UVa had 10 swimmers compete in the NCAA Championships with nine earning All-America accolades. Seven of the Cavaliers’ nine All-Americans return this season. UVa was also second at the 2002 ACC Championships and finished its dual meet schedule with a 9-1 overall record and a 4-1 mark in the ACC. In addition to returning seven All-Americans, Virginia has a total of 19 returning letter winners. An outstanding first-year class is also expected to be a major factor in the Cavaliers’ success this season.

South Carolina’s men’s and women’s swimming and diving teams opened their seasons on October 18 by defeating the College of Charleston. The men won 143-125 and the women posted a 153-127 victory.

Admission to home Virginia swimming and diving meets is free of charge.