By: Michael L. Damon
mdamon@jjay.cuny.edu
(212) 237-8322
New York, N.Y.— Arguably the most successful season is John Jay College of Criminal Justice women's swimming history, the 2011-12 edition of the Bloodhounds swim program will take to the pool this weekend for the 2011-12 City University of New York Athletic Conference (CUNYAC) / Applebee's women's swimming championship.
The three day event starts this Thursday, February 2 and goes through Saturday, February 4 at the Apex Arena Aquatics Center on the campus of Lehman College.
John Jay, who finished 6-3 (4-2 CUNYAC), is looking strong after having successful wins against strong teams this season, including victories against conference rivals Brooklyn College, York College, College of Staten Island and Lehman College. The Bloodhounds also posted wins against regional opponents the College of Mount Saint Vincent and the College of New Rochelle.
“The swim team has put in hard work and is ready to swim their best at the CUNYAC championships! I expect one hundred percent personal best times from all swimmers,” said fourth year head coach Jessica Kolackovsky. “We have done very well this year, with setting an overall best record in program history. I have a set a tone for the swim team and they understand and are following my lead. They represent John Jay proudly and are striving to bring back a top three overall finish.”
This season the Bloodhounds have been led by senior captains,
Kaili Insalaco and
Billie Jean Kuppler. The duo has been with the team the past four seasons, and has led the resurgence of the women's swimming program. The two were freshman with John Jay when the Bloodhounds were winless during the 2008-09 season. Fellow four year senior,
Catherine Gomez will also be one to watch as she is expected to make a splash at championships.
Other roster members include three year senior,
Jezebel Erazo and two year senior
Jennifer Santanello as well as underclassmen
Kaylie Bruce,
Jennifer Calix,
Mollie DeMeio,
Laura Galeano,
Justina Morales,
Vanessa Toro-Plaza and
Samantha Valenzuela.
