Sept. 24, 2007

COLLEGE PARK, Md. - The 2007-08 Maryland men's swimming team is eager to improve on last year's 2-9 overall record, which earned an eighth-place finish in the ACC. Under the direction of interim head coach Jarod Schroeder, the Terps are looking forward to a successful season.

"This is an exciting time in Maryland swimming," said Schroeder, who will welcome 11 freshmen this year to their squad of 27. "The future is bright for our swimming squad. This year, we have an extremely strong recruiting class. This should improve our chances at the ACC Championships."

Maryland will count on its four seniors to guide the team to a successful season. Captain Jake DiPiazza began his career at Maryland as a walk-on his sophomore year. This summer, he participated in the National Championships in Indianapolis, competing in the 400 free relay. Last season, he established a career-best time in both the 50 free and the 100 fly at the league championships. He also anchored the fifth-place 200 free relay team at the ACC championships.

Captain Eric Thomasson competed in the US Nationals, where he recorded a personal best time in the 100 meter butterfly. Thomasson also competed in the 400 free relay and 400 medley relay. Last year, he earned a 12th-place finish at the ACCs in the 200 fly and placed 19th in the 100 meter fly.

"Eric swam in his first national competition this summer, which he gained invaluable experience from," said Schroeder. "We look for him to bring that experience to our team this year."

Ken Golaszewski will be the final captain for the Terps. He swam the second leg for the seventh-place 800 free relay team at ACC Championships, while setting a career-best time in the 1650 free to place 14th overall.

Senior Derek Hock competed at the ACC Championships, finishing 23rd in the 1-meter dive and 25th in the 3-meter dive.

"As the lone male diver on the senior squad, we will look for his contributions towards our diving program this year," said Schroeder.

Juniors Eric Cullen, Andy Dilz, and Dong Kim will also provide experience for the Terps. Kim swam in the 50 and 100 freestyle, and the 100 backstroke, the 400 medley, and the 400 free relays at the US Nationals. During last year's ACC Championships, Kim took third overall in the 100 free while being a top finisher in the consolation final for the 50 free. He also led-off the fourth-place 400 medley relay team, the fifth-place 200 free relay team, the sixth-place 200 medley relay team, and the sixth-place 400 free relay team. In addition, Kim broke the school's 100 back record last year with a time of 48.93.

"Last year, Dong was the top point winner at the ACCs for our team, with only half a season of training," said Schroeder. "This year, we are looking for big things from him. We look for him to place in the top eight in all three events this year at the ACCs."

Cullen competed at the nationals in the 100 breaststroke and 400 medley relay, while Dilz saw action in the 200 breaststroke, the 400 medley relay, and the 400 free relay.

Leading the pack for Maryland freshman will be Nick Cordes, who competed in the 50 meter freestyle at this year's US Nationals.

"This year, the design of our schedule is mostly at home to keep all of our newcomers in their comfort zone and to help them make the transition to college," said Schroeder.

The men's team begins their season on Friday, October 26, hosting Johns Hopkins. Their first ACC meet will be held in College Park, Md. against Duke on Saturday, November 3. Maryland will host five meets this year, including the Terrapin Cup Invitational on November 15-17 and the Testudo Invite on February 1-2.

The Terps will head to Atlanta, Ga., on February 27 to compete in the ACC Championships, looking to make it to the NCAA Championships which will be held in Federal Way, Wash., the last weekend in March.