University of Virginia Library

Mermen Look Strong
Despite Tough Losses

By Ted McKean

In spite of several key losses due
to graduation, Coach Ralph Law
should once again field a team of
swimmers capable of bringing in the
winning season.

The Cavaliers were defeated
only twice last winter in dual meet
competition, by VPI, and
nationally recognized Maryland, to
achieve the best record in many
years. In the process of the season,
they smashed nearly every school
record.

Fourth-year man Jim
Sonneborn, a top flight
breaststroker, will captain Law's
1968 mermen. Returning with him
will be a solid nucleus of second
and third year men. Versatile Nelson
Workman can be called on for the
sprints or the individual medley.
Van Nichols should be capable of
handling the backstroke chores.
John Shrum, school record holder
in the 1000, will be placed in the
distance events. All are third-year
men.

Coach Law will be counting
heavily on a number of second-year
men. Rick Coupe will be the
number one man in the butterfly,
while Pete Swart can be inserted in
the breaststroke, butterfly, or
individual medley. Jay Wainwright
has established himself as the
team's diver.

Depth may prove a problem for
Mr. Law this winter. Gone are Jack
Wilson, holder of four school
records, and Terry Gromel, who
held one record himself, and was a
member of two record-setting
relays. Since first-year men can
swim on the varsity level due to an
ACC rules change last year, they
may determine an important part
of the team's success this winter.

The swimmers should be glad to
hear that their pond under
Memorial Gym has been repainted,
and improvements have been made
to the filtering system. Ventilation
as well should prove a bit more
bearable.

In the offing now is a new pool
complex at University Hall. Plans
are now being finalized, and if all
works out, construction may begin
in a few months. According to
Athletic Director Steve Debor, the
pool is slated to be eight lanes long,
and in the same building will be a
number of squash and handball
courts.

Wahoo Diver Strains For Proper Execution, Form

Swimmers Commence In December, Seek Another Good Season