Sept. 19, 2011
SAN FRANSISCO, Calif. – Members of the University of New Mexico swimming team traveled to the bay this weekend to participate in the RCP Open water mile on Sunday. The event, which has been held for the last 12 years, plays host to everyone from local bay area athletes to national, international and special Olympians every year.
17 Lobo swimmers traveled to California this past Sunday; up from the eight swimmers that participated in the event three years ago when UNM last partook in the event.
“All of the girls that went this year did great,” said head coach Tracy Ljone. “It was good to expose them to something different like open water swimming; it provides them with excellent experience.”
UNM competed in the Elite division which featured some of the country’s best swimmers as well as the University of California-Berkeley swim team.
Returning letter winner and school record holder in the 1,650-yard freestyle, Monica Dudley set the pace for UNM. She finished first among the Lobos and came in ninth overall in the Elite division posting a time of 21:22. Freshmen Taylor and Carlie McGregor were second and third among the team, and 20th and 22nd in the Elite division finishing the race with times of 23:23 and 23:26, respectively.
“This event is definitely a different experience,” said Ljone. It requires a tremendous amount of both mental and physical toughness. You’re out there swimming in the open water with different critters and it can play tricks on you.”
The event, which was voluntary, came three and a half weeks prior to the first home meet of the year. The Lobos open the season at home against the Air Force Falcons Saturday, October 8th at noon. Check Golobos.com for the 2011-12 Lobo swimming and diving season preview.