2010-2011 - Season Preview

Led by a solid core of key returning veterans on the ladies side and adding depth on both the men's and women's team, Laurentian Aqua Vees head coach Phil Parker is looking forward with anticipation to the 2010-2011 season seemingly, with very good reason.

While Parker remains hopeful that both varsity squads can move another rung or two up the OUA ladder this year, the reality of the numbers within a university the size of Laurentian dictates that a balancing act between team and individual success is often required, something the well-liked coach is very well aware of.

"For our situation here at Laurentian, we need to focus more on the individual component", explains Parker. "I need to divert more of my energies on the ones who will place at nationals, medal at provincials - and I think the swimmers understand that."

Still, it only stands to reason that individual success drives team success and the crew of the Blue and Gold are well positioned to send another very competitive group to nationals in Calgary.

With the quartet of Brittany Maltais, Emily Jones and Jenn Piper all able to draw on previous experience at nationals, expectations are understandably high, most notably on the ladies side. Maltais, a native of Prince Edward Island, returns for her third year at Laurentian as defending OUA champion in the 50m breaststroke and is already a two-time Female Athlete of the Year at L.U.

Northern Ontario recruits Tessa Jewell and Katie Copeland provide even more depth to the squad, although Parker stresses that until he sees where all the swimmers are at in September, it's difficult to gauge the upside potential of newcomers.

For the Laurentian men, 5th year Voyageur Mike Murray remains the undisputed leader of the team, coming off a breakthrough year at the OUA championships and qualifying for his first appearance at nationals.

There is little doubt that the catch of the 2010 recruiting class lies in Oakville native Brody Dyson, a backstroke specialist who is expected to hit CIS qualifying times in his freshman year. Parker is also looking for a nice step forward from Brampton native Dan Juhasz, who enters his third year of post-secondary competition in the fall.