Arkansas Swimming and Diving Fact Sheet #7
This Week
Arkansas continues Southeastern Conference competition as the Lady Razorbacks travel to Lexington, Ky., to face Kentucky, Jan. 22 at noon. Saturday marks the 10th time the Lady’Back and Wildcats have met.
Rewind
Arkansas hosted SEC foe, No. 23 Tennessee, Jan. 10, and fell to the Lady Volunteers 121-111. Freshman diver Brieanne Kushner qualified for the NCAA Zone Diving competition in the one-meter event. Tennessee senior Julia Stowers broke an Arkansas Natatorium pool record in the 1,000 free with her time of 9:52.35. Senior Whitney Lynn previously held the record, which she set in 2003.
First time
With Kushner’s sweep of the diving events against Tennessee, she was named SEC Diver of the Week. Kushner took both the one and three meter, while qualifying for the NCAA Zone Diving Championship in the one meter. In the one meter, Kushner recorded her best performance of the year with a score of 260.70.
Last Meeting
Arkansas last met Kentucky in the 2001-02 season with the Wildcats defeating the Lady’Backs 156.5-86.5. Overall, Kentucky leads the series 1-8.
Points all around
Senior Hannah Clegg recorded her first career win for the Lady’Backs against Tennessee. Clegg won the 100 back in 1:00.09. Senior Zsuzsa Csobanki and Whitney Lynn each won individual events against Tennessee with Csobanki taking the 50 free and Lynn winning the 500 free.
On the mark
The last fall meet was a beneficial one for the Lady’Backs. At the Aggie Invitational, Nov. 19-21, seniors Zsuzsa Csobanki and Whitney Lynn broke NCAA ‘B’ cut times. Csobanki qualified in the 50 free with a season best time of 23.30 in the finals. Lynn recorded season best times in the 500 (4:51) and 1,650 free (16:28.53).
Double trouble
Csobanki and Lynn have repeatedly won two individual events throughout the season for the Lady’Backs. Lynn took top honors in the 500 and 1,000 free against Louisiana State, Alabama, Tulane, New Orleans Washington State, Pacific and Houston. Csobanki was a double event winner in three meets this season against Drury, Tulane, New Orleans, Washington State, Pacific and Houston in the 50 and 100 free.
Lynn’s Lane
Lynn has dominated the 1,000 free this season. Lynn has set two records in the 1,000 free. Against Drury, Lynn’s time of 10:03.64 marked the fourth fastest time in school history and her performance at Washington State set a pool record. Against LSU and Alabama, Lynn won the 1,000 by 20 seconds.
Up, up and away
Freshman Emily Gregory has made an impact in her first season as a Lady’Back with two wins in the 100 butterfly. Gregory won the event at Washington State and Tulane. In her first Southeastern Conference meet, Gregory finished second in the 100 fly. Gregory recorded her best time of the season in the finals of the Aggie Invitational with a fifth-place finish.
Free bird
Leading the Lady’Backs in the sprint freestyle events, Csobanki won nine individual events this season. Csobanki is pacing the Lady’Backs in the 50 and 100 freestyle events. Csobanki qualified for a NCAA ‘B’ cut at the Aggie Invitational.
Summer Vacation
Senior Zsuzsa Csobanki returned to the Lady’Backs for her final season after competing in the 2004 Olympics in Athens, Greece. As a four-time national champion, Csobanki represented Hungary in the 50 free. Csobanki was also an all-American in 2003. For the Lady’Backs, Csobanki competes in the freestyle and butterfly events.
A Big Splash
Diving continues to consistently score for the Lady’Backs. In the one-meter event, freshman Hilarie Wilson recorded two first-place finishes. Wilson won the event against Drury and Tulane. Freshman Brieanne Kushner also has four first-place finishes this season. On the three-meter board, Kushner took first against Drury and Tulane.
Cajun country
The Lady’Backs opened Southeastern Conference competition in Baton Rouge, La., Oct. 29. Arkansas fell to Louisiana State, 73-60, and Alabama, 74-59. On the Louisiana road trip, the Lady’Backs recorded a split as they defeated the University of New Orleans, 126-7, and lost to Tulane, 74-67, Oct. 30.
Take Two
Sophomore Mariann Fulop won four events for the Lady’Backs. Fulop won the 200 IM and the 200 back against Drury. The first-place finish in the 200 back was Fulop’s first win in that event as a Lady’Back. At Tulane, Fulop won the 100 back and 400 IM. Fulop set season best times in the 200 IM, 200 butterfly and 200 back at the Aggie Invitational.
Bumps and Bruises
The Lady’Backs team is not completely healthy with junior Kristen Thibodeaux, freshmen Kellyn Williams and Tori Kennedy all out for the season with injuries and illness.
Fast Forward
The Lady’Backs return to Fayetteville for their final home meet when they host Kansas, Jan. 29 at 1 p.m., and honor the seniors with a ceremony.
