This program continues to be a hallmark of consistency. In 1993-94, the Eagles registered their 14th straight winning dual-meet season, going 8-3 against some outstanding competition. MWC also captured a fourth straight CAC championship.
What to do for an encore? Head coach Marc Brown believes that the program can rise to even greater heights. Goals of a fifth straight conference crown and a first-ever Top 10 finish at NCAA Nationals are lofty but reachable, according to Brown. In order to continue tradition and also strive for higher ground, the Eagles must first replace several outstanding seniors. Relay All-Americans Sarah Hertz (freestyle specialist) and Amanda Clair (breaststroke), CAC individual medley champion Alison Cerul and backstroker Heidi Heise will be missed.
Leading a strong group of returnees is senior AllAmerican Amanda Dresser (Williamsburg, VA), a CAC champion in the 200 fly this past spring. Accompanying
Dresser are CAC champions Sarah King (Jr./Lancaster, PA; 100 and 200 backstroke), Eliza Barcus (Jr./Reston, VA; 500 and 1,650 freestyle) and Liz Darcy (Jr./Brightwaters, NY; 200 free). Other veteran performers to watch are Nancy McClain (Jr./ New Fairfield, CI), Ginger Newnam (So./Danville, VA), Larissa Nojek (Sr./Springfield, VA), Gretchen Hurley (Jr./Loudonville, NY), Cynthia Owen (So./Chesterfield, VA), Jennifer Pugh (So./Roanoke, VA), Merilee Robinson (Jr./Paris, ME), Catherine Stalford (So./ Fairfax, VA) and Emily Williams (So./Afton, VA).
Two of the three teams which defeated MWC in 1993-94 - Gettysburg and Division I Richmond -return on the '94-95 slate. According to Brown, a strong schedule will help prepare MWC for a run to national prominence. "The depth of talent on this team illustrates why it's been the CAC champs the past four years, and this year's squad is no exception," said Brown. "They need only to re-evaluate their goals and commitment in order to make their mark at NCAA Nationals."