Colorado State University Athletics
Colorado State
Early Bird Invitational
Rams continue dominance at Early Bird
10/18/2008 12:00:00 AM | Women's Swimming & Diving
Oct. 18, 2008
By Stephanie Anderson
Athletic Media Relations
FORT COLLINS, Colo.—The Colorado State swimming and diving team is off to an impressive start, opening the 2008-09 season with a win at the Early Bird Invitational. They took the top spot with a final score of 1,730 points. The meet, which stretches through two days and 40 events, gives the CSU coaches an opportunity to spot potential and evaluate what needs to be done in practice before the Rams open up dual-meet competition.
“The Early Bird is always hard because we have so many events in so little time,” said Head Coach John Mattos.
The University of Northern Colorado took second place with a final score of 645.50 points, and the University of Colorado finished third with 419 points.
As for the men, Colorado School of Mines scored 1,041.50 points giving them the win, and the University of Colorado followed with 771.50 points, and the U.S. Air Force Academy received third place with a score of 704 points.
“Performance-wise, we did good,” commented Mattos. “ I was looking for certain girls to step it up - both newcomers and returning athletes - and they did.”
Colorado State swimming not only won every event, but also took second place in all but two events. Swimmers Nora Kennedy, Kathleen McCleary, and Breann Fuller all had a great weekend. Kennedy won both the 100 and 200 Butterfly, and also contributed to wins in the 400 and 800 Free Relays, and the 200 Medley Relay. McCleary posted a win in the 200 and 1650 Freestyle events. Freshman Breann Fuller made an impression with a win in the 100 Backstroke and contributed to a 200 Medley Relay win. Nicole Kelley also had another top-three finish in the 3-meter diving event, after winning the 1-meter event on Friday.
“We have a strong team,” added Mattos. “We always have, but it is even stronger. We still have a few spots to shore up, and once we do we will have a great, great season. We just need Michelle Price back from her illness and a few girls need to gain some confidence.”
The Rams head to Las Vegas, Nev. next week for a conference dual Friday against the UNLV rebels.
