Swimming and diving announces captains

Seniors Chelsea Franklin and Courtney Hubbard and junior Julia Kucherich were named captains for the 2012-13 University of Arkansas swimming & diving team head coach Sean Schimmel announced on Thursday.

“All three of them are great examples of leaders both in and out of the pool,” Schimmel said.  “Not only do they get it done during practice and competition, but also in the classroom.”

Franklin submitted a second straight All-American season for Arkansas her junior year, placing 10th in the 1,650 freestyle at the NCAA Championships with a time of 16:03.94.

Hubbard competed in the 50, 100, 200, and 500 freestyle events last season as well as the long course 400 free.

During the 2011-12 season, Kucherich competed in nine events and all four strokes, and earned 15 top five finishes on the season.

“For them to lead here my first year at Arkansas I’m really excited about it,” Schimmel said. “They are elected by their peers, so obviously their peers are excited about having those three as captains and leading us into this year.”

Arkansas swimming and diving will kick off the season on Oct. 6 at the Razorback Relays.