July 17, 2006

It has not been a typical summer for many Maryland swimmers as they qualify and prepare for the World Championship Trials, which will be held from August 1-5 in Irvine, Calif. Intense training for the meet, which will be swam using long course meters instead of the short course yards used during the collegiate season, has replaced summer jobs and lazy afternoons for many Terrapin athletes.

"It's been extremely difficult," explained rising senior Tony Miller, who won the 200-IM with a 2:09.20 yesterday. "The intensity is understandable, though, because of the long course."

Despite the difficulties presented by a new training regimen, Miller is excited about getting the opportunity. "I'm hoping to qualify for Olympic trials at the World Championship Trials," he said of his goals. "The training has helped me be ready to accomplish that goal and be ready to represent Maryland on a national level."

Miller will not be alone in Irvine, as several other Terps have qualified or put themselves in good position to make it to the event.

Another rising senior on the men's side, Danny Gray, has already qualified in the 50-meter free. "Danny is taking his short course swimming success and translating that to a Long Course meter environment," said head coach Dave Durden of the All-ACC performer. Gray swam a 23.60 in a time trial yesterday. "Every time he touches the water he is gaining an enormous amount of knowledge about Long Course swimming."

Rising junior Eric Thomasson has also been attempting to qualify for the World Championship Trials. He took third in the 100-fly over the weekend, swimming a 56.70.

"What these swimmers represent is the very top level of athletes this country produces." Dave Durden, Head Coach

Two former members of the women's team will also be headed to California next month. Elizabeth Lavell will be going in the 200-IM, and Krisztina Kovacs swam an 1:11.80 in the 100-breast prelims to qualify.

"I am very pleased with the performances of both our men and women this past weekend," said Coach Durden. "We have some folks that are at different points in their season, and everyone raced tough throughout the three days. We had a lot of break through performances and athletes that gained an enormous amount of confidence over the weekend. I am excited to get our group ready for World Championship Trials in two weeks."

Recognizing the efforts being put in by the swimmers this summer, Coach Durden sees a payoff both for the individuals participating and the team as a whole next season. "What these swimmers represent is the very top level of athletes this country produces. Being in that environment and being around that level of athlete breeds confidence that will be shared with their teammates."