ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – The University of New Mexico swimming and diving team hosts its first meet of the 2015-16 season Saturday at noon when the Lobos welcome Wyoming to the Seidler Natatorium. The two squads were both part of the Denver Relay Meets on Oct. 10 with the Cowgirls outscoring the Lobos 276-170.
A quick glance at the two rosters helps explain that score a little bit. The Cowgirls have 43 student-athletes on their team, nearly double UNM’s 24. Add in the fact that it was UNM’s third meet in as many days to start the season, plus a couple illnesses forced other girls out so the Lobos competed with just 14 swimmers, and the difference makes a little sense.
Still, Wyoming is a talented team under head coach Tom Johnson, who is in his 18th season with the program. Last year in Laramie the Cowgirls defeated UNM 162-95.
“Wyoming is a very strong team, there’s no doubt,” UNM head coach Kunio Kono said. “They always swim fast, whether it’s a dual meet or a championship. This is one of the biggest challenges for us this season.”
The Lobos have plenty of talent of their own up and down the roster. Senior Kristin Walker has the fastest time in the Mountain West this season in the 100-yard breaststroke at 1:04.46. Meanwhile, freshman Adriana Palomino has the second fastest time in the MW in both the 200- and 1000-yard freestyle, while Kaela McKee has the second-quickest 100-yard backstroke time.
“Our girls are going to be ready for tomorrow,” Kono said. “It will be very exciting. Our girls have been training hard and are looking good. There are going to be a lot of good races.”