Veteran leadership is important for any team, but when it is combined with an injection of talented newcomers, then that team is set up for a run of success.
That is exactly what the ASU men's and women's swimming teams have this season, with plenty of new faces adding their talents to a program that returns seven All-Americans.
The men's team welcomes seven freshmen to the fray, while the women have five. Both teams also have one junior college transfer, and many of these newcomers are in a position to contribute immediately.
One of the leading freshmen on the women's team is Canadian Jen Beckberger, who brings with her a large amount of experience.
She has been a member of the Canadian junior and senior national teams, and she competed in the Short Course World Championships for Canada in 2004. She also holds the Ontario Province record in 100-meter freestyle, with a 55.37 time, and she has been a bronze medalist in both the 100-meter and 50-meter freestyle events at the Canadian Nationals.
Beckberger hopes to have success at ASU, both this year and throughout her career.
"I hope that I make the NCAAs this year," Beckberger said. "Long term, I would really like to final at NCAAs. But I'm going to take it one step at a time."
Coach Michael Chasson also has very high hopes for what Beckberger can bring to the team.
"She should be an NCAA qualifier in the 50, 100, and 200 free and be on at least four relays," Chasson said. "She has the potential to be an NCAA scorer and will help the team this year."
Another freshman to watch for the women is Amy Konowalik, of England, who is also an experienced swimmer internationally, having competed in the FINA World Cup, European Junior Championships and the European Championships, where she finished in top 20 in the 200-meter breaststroke three straight years.
"Amy is an excellent 200 breaststroker and should qualify for the NCAAs and score in this event," Chasson said. "She trains very hard and should adjust quickly to swimming in the U.S."
The other newcomers to the women's team are freshmen Rikka Brunner, Frankie Judy and Ilene Lesch, along with Ventura College transfer Emily Goodall.
The men also landed a transfer from Ventura College in Cheyne O'Gorman, who holds their school record in seven events. O'Gorman won six individual titles at the California Community College State Swimming Championship and was named Western State Conference swimmer of the year in 2005.
"He is developing quickly," Chasson said. "He is training very well and should improve significantly. I would expect he has an excellent chance to qualify for the NCAAs in the 50 free and be a major part of our relays."
The men also welcome last year's Arizona 5A State Champion in the 100-meter breaststroke, Marcus Titus of Tucson Flowing Wells, to the fold.
Reach the reporter at matthew.storey@asu.edu.
