Oct. 19, 2010
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Saturday, the University of New Mexico swimming and diving team takes to the pool for the last home event of the season. The meet will serve not only as a meeting with three conference opponents, but a morning to thank and honor.
The meet in which UNM welcomes San Diego State, Colorado State and Air Force is Senior Day, and Think Pink. The theme of Think Pink will be special for the Lobos as they will honor former swimmer Jen Hale, who is currently going through chemotherapy for breast cancer.
Hale, who swam for the Lobos from 2004-2007, currently holds the third-fastest time in the 200-yard freestyle, as well as the top time in the 800-yard freestyle relay. She also holds top five times in the 500-yard freestyle and the 400-yard freestyle relay.
Head swimming coach Tracy Ljone, who had the opportunity to coach Hale her entire career, recalls that Jen was not only a competitor, but she was someone gave her everything and committed herself to the team.
This Saturday’s meet is dedicated to her. The swimming and diving program is taking the strength she has displayed through the battle with cancer, and swimming for her.
“Jen was always a competitor when she swam. She trained hard and raced every time she got on the block and gave a lot to this team,” said Ljone.
“Jen has had fantastic spirits through this entire ordeal from when she found out she had cancer, going through two surgeries, and now heading into chemotherapy. Her positive outlook towards it all is truly amazing and really a tribute to her character. I really have never seen someone be so upbeat and strong in such a situation.”
“Our whole team and program is pulling for her and thinking about her. We want to dedicate this meet to her and for her to know we are all there fighting with her.”
Jen will not be in attendance for the meet on Saturday, but it is certain that her presence will be felt.
This Saturday will also be the final home meet for seniors Nannette Wittenberg, Jennifer Burgess, and Sally Bellinger. They have all been swimming for Ljone all four years of their collegiate career, and have made major contributions.
Wittenberg, a Houston, Texas native, currently holds a top five spot in the 200-yard butterfly. Wittenberg is a Business Major in Marketing and Operations, and has received Mountain West Conference Academic recognitions all three years of her career.
Burgess, a Buffalo, N.Y. native, is a distance specialist, and holds top five times in both the 1,000- and 1,650-yard freestyle. She is majoring in Earth and Planetary Sciences.
Bellinger, a native of Tiburon, Calif., currently holds top five times in both the 200- and 400-yard freestyle relay. She is a Dental Hygiene major who was received a Mountain West Conference Academic recognitions all three years of her career as well.
After the home meet this Saturday, Oct. 23, the Lobos will travel to Northern Colorado for a dual meet. They will compete on the road the remainder of the season leading up the 2011 Mountain West Conference Championships, Feb. 23-26 in Oklahoma City, Okla.