Jan. 24, 2013
NORFOLK, Va. – The Old Dominion University men’s and women’s swimming teams will be back in action against William and Mary at 1 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 26 in the J.C. “Scrap” Chandler Pool located in the Student Recreational Center. Saturday will also be Senior Day for Old Dominion. The Senior Day ceremony will begin at 12:30 p.m.
Saturday will mark the last home meet for eight ODU swimmers: Kimberley Rashleigh, Kimberley Rashleigh, Ashley Luchsinger and Morgan Johnson won the 400-yard freestyle. Rashleigh also finished first in the 200-yard backstroke and the 200-yard IM races. Yesim Giresunlu won the 500-yard freestyle; while Jessica Hubert placed first in the 100-yard butterfly.
The Old Dominion men are currently 3-3 in their meets so far this season. The Lady Monarchs are 6-4.
William and Mary’s men are currently 5-3 overall and 2-1 in the CAA. W&M’s women are 5-6 overall and 2-2 in the CAA.
Saturday will also mark another event in the “Optima Health Challenge”. Last year was the beginning of the tradition between the Old Dominion University Monarchs and the William & Mary Tribe. During the athletic season of 2012 through 2013 this historic rivalry will continue in the form of the "Optima Health Challenge”. Sponsored by the Hampton Roads based Optima Health, the trophy will be presented annually to the school which accumulates the most points in head-to-head competitions in all sports. At the conclusion of the 2011-2012 athletic year, the Monarchs rose above to claim the first ever trophy with more head-to-head wins over the Tribe.
This school year, ODU and W&M will face off 15 times, with each event being worth 10 points. William and Mary currently leads Old Dominion 25-20. A total of 20 points (10 points for men, 10 points for women) will be on the line Saturday. The winner of the challenge is presented a replica of the Norfolk Mace.
Be sure to follow Old Dominion Swimming on their new Twitter name: @ODUSwimDive. Also be sure to follow ODU on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/ODUSwimDive.