Head Coach John Hayman

DATE: February 21, 2002

FAIRFAX, VA -- The University of Delaware men's and women's swimming and diving teams will take part in their first ever Colonial Athletic Association championship action beginning Friday, Feb. 22 at George Mason's Aquatic and Fitness Center.

The 17th annual championships will begin Friday with trials beginning at 10 a.m. and finals taking place at 6 p.m. The same schedule will continue Saturday and Sunday. GMU hosts the event for the third straight year.

James Madison has dominated past championships for both the men and women. The Dukes men have won nine titles overall and three straight while the JMU women have captured six titles overall, including last year's crown.

Among the other contenders are Davidson, Delaware, Drexel, George Mason, UNC Wilmington, Old Dominion, Towson, and William & Mary.

Delaware participated the last 10 seasons as members of the America East conference, winning four straight men's titles from 1997 until 2000 and two women's titles in 1996 and 1997. Delaware teams finished lower than fourth place just once in the 10 seasons in America East, all under the direction of men's and women's head coach John Hayman.

The Blue Hen women are led by 2001 America East 1,650 freestyle champion and 500 freestyle runner-up Meghan Petry, 2001 America East 200 individual medley champion Sandy Stephens, breaststroke specialist Sara Stephens, freestyle specialist Jennifer Haus, and diver Julie Van Deusen. Van Deusen did not lose a diving event this season.

The Delaware men are led by 2001 America East 500 freestyle and 1,650 freestyle runner-up Kevin Weisser, diver Lavar Larks, breaststroke specialist Tim Wasiewski, and freestyle specialist Bryan Kahner.