UB Women Secure Winning Record in the MAC with a Win Over Bowling Green

The women's team competed at home on Saturday night for the first time this semester. After having several meets on the road in the past 3 weeks, it was time to experience the benefits of a little "home cooking". With a MAC record of 3-2 and 2 conference meets remaining, a win on Saturday would secure a winning record for the 2nd consecutive season and for only the 2nd time since Buffalo joined the MAC in 1998!

As coaches we left out the history lesson prior to the meet and told them to step up to the challenge, to surprise themselves. The team did just that! The meet began with a 1-2 finish in the 200 medley relay. There was no slowing down, as the team won 14 of the 16 events.

There were many standout performances, but here are a few highlights: Senior Jessica Ballard won the 200 free, 400 IM, and was a member of the winning 200 medley relay team. Junior Jordan Deren won the 1650 free and the 500 free. Freshman Katelyn Pratt-Collins won the 100 and 200 back, and was a member of the 2nd place 200 medley relay team. Sophomore Alie Schirmers won the 100 breast with a lifetime best swim and placed 2nd in the 400 IM. Junior Jessie Koltz won the 50 free while swimming on the winning 200 medley and 400 free relays.

Bulls Take Down St. Bonaventure

The Bulls traveled to St. Bonaventure on Friday as we continue to tune-up for the upcoming conference championships. Both the men and women picked up victories on road, with standout performances by several individuals.

The women jumped out to an early lead with a 1-2 finish in the 200 medley relay and looked back. Senior Meili Carpenter won the 1-meter event with a score of 344.10, breaking her own school record and continuing her undeated season in the event. She also won the 3-meter event with a score 330.75. Individual event winners include Alisa Koopman in the 1000 free, Caroline Simmons in the 200 free, Brynn Marecki in the 200 IM, Sam Palma tied in the 50 free, Jordan Deren in the 200 fly, Jessie Koltz in the 100 free, and Alie Schirmers in the 500 free.

The men experienced a much closer meet, trailing until the 9th event of the meet. The 1-2-3 finish by Matt Schwippert, Zach Ruske, and Andrew Tamchyna in the 200 back gave the Bulls a lead that we would not give up. The team was led by senior Connor Vander Zalm, who won the 1000 free and 500 free, and freshman Matt Schwippert, who won the 200 IM and 200 back. Sophomore Chris Berloth won the 200 fly, while Kenny Rhoades won the 3-meter diving event.

Senior Perspectives - Sam Palma

Sam Palma:
"The memories that I will take with me from the UB swim team are all about the people. I have spent the greater part of my four years here swimming in the far end of the pool. The light isn't as bright and there is one jet that is so powerful that if you swim into it, it will blast you in the other direction. This is normally where the sprinters swim. We have easy access to the power towers, so at any moment we can strap-in and see who can pull the heaviest bucket the fastest. I have had the best time in the other end of the pool and running off of one meter, usually while distance does a fly set :)

The sprinters are a special type of people and are usually responsible for making me laugh so hard that it's nearly impossible to swim the set correctly; especially when Andy breaks out a "That's what she said". We compete with one another, the freshmen boys make whale calls (yes really), I have been called a werewolf on multiple occasions, act totally gangsta, and generally make Andy wonder how old we actually all are.

I have learned that it's the little things, those rare moments of pure joy (even at 6 a.m., thanks to Andrea Scharf) that make things special. This team has given me something to look back at and smile on for the rest of my life."

DO WORK
Sam Palma

Senior Perspectives - Caitlin Reilly

Caitlin Reilly:
"A lot has changed since my freshman year, but I couldn't imagine being in a better place than where I am today. When looking at universities four years ago, I was definitely hoping for a program with a joint team, and so the combining of the Men and Women's program after my freshman year was great news for me. Not only did it mean getting to race the boys, but it also meant the addition of Aaron as the new mid-distance coach, as well as the GA position, which has been held by two awesome people, Mike and James. Being a part of Andy's first graduating class here at UB, and having Courtney there every step of the way, has been an amazing experience. But certainly the most incredible thing about my time here is coming in as a freshman with nine other wonderful girls, and all ten of us making it the whole way - an incredible feat! To be apart of such a talented and dedicated class, on both the men and women's side, has made these last four years unforgettable.

Although my college career has undoubtly been filled with some of the best times of my life, my sophomore year was also a very difficult time for me because of a personal family loss, and if it wasn't for the support of my coaches and teammates, I don't know how I would have ever made it through. This team has come to mean so much to me and I'm really excited to see all the great things to come over the next few years! I will be forever thankful for the opportunities I have been given here at UB and I can't wait for MACs!

Go Bulls! Let's Get Some."

Caitlin

Senior Perspectives - Ashley Schaffert

Ashley Schaffert:
"My experience on the UB Swimming and Diving team the last four years has been a very rewarding one. Not only was I blessed with great teammates and coaches all the way through, but the experience has made me grow up and learn many things about myself. I don't think I would have enjoyed my college experience as much had I not been a part of this team. The hard work I have put in has translated over to academics as well. My teammates deserve most of the credit in my great experience here. Being on a team that is so close with each other has made my time here fun and memorable, even through the tough times. The coaching staff has been supportive and learning so much from my coaches, I am walking away a stronger person ready for what the future may bring."

Ashley :)

Freshman Josh Meints Named UB Male Athlete of the Week

Congratulations to freshman Josh Meints for being named the UB Male Athlete of the Week following his performances against Miami on Saturday. Josh won the 100 breast (58.79), 200 breast (2:08.43), 200 IM (1:55.45), and was a member of the winning 200 medley relay team. All three of his individual swims were in-season bests and helped lead the team to a win over the Redhawks and it's first winning record in the MAC since the 1999-2000 season.

Josh is the first member of the men's team to be recognized this season. Congratulations Josh!

Senior Perspectives - Zach Ruske

Zach Ruske:
"I have had a great time swimming for UB. I have accomplished more in the four years I've been here than I ever thought possible. I would not have had the success in the pool and in the classroom without the support of my coaches, teammates, and entire athletic administration. There are many memorable moments that I have had and shared with my teammates, from soap fights in the showers to beating Miami for the first time (Jan. 23rd). It has not hit me that there are only two dual meets left in my entire swimming career. I know it will be a very exciting yet sad day.

I have grown and learned so much from my time at UB. I'm confident that I will be able to use what I have learned at UB in the next chapter of my life. I'm looking forward to spending the next few weeks of the season with my teammates, training hard and having fun, while getting ready for the MAC Championships. I never thought I would be in the position I am today - Swimming for a Division I team, winning conference championships, having a coach who believes in my ability, and teammates who care for one and another like family. I have truly cherished my time with the UB Swimming & Diving program. If there's anything to be taken away from the four years I've been here it's to trust your instincts and believe in yourself!"

GO BULLS!
- Zach Ruske

Senior Perspectives - Connor Vander Zalm

Connor Vander Zalm:
"I have had a great time with the University at Buffalo swim team over the past four years. Being a student-athlete has been a constantly changing experience. From being a freshman, learning and growing from teammates and new experiences, to the upperclassman responsibilities and leadership positions. Our team has been growing and developing over the past few years to the point that we are in the battle for the top position in the conference. While we have been recruiting and training for success in the future, our conference has gone through changes that seem to have finally settled on something great. Our specific class has gone through so many changes and shifts, that I feel I am more prepared to deal with adverse situations in the future, especially thanks to help and support from coaches and teammates. I've a lot of memorable moments (and times that I have trouble remembering) with friends that swim or have swum with Buffalo.

What I think will stand out the most for me in the future is beating Miami today (Jan. 23rd). We went from our freshmen year struggling to beat Ball State to beating Miami, seriously competing against Eastern Michigan, and setting our sites for fast newcomers to the conference. I am excited for our team and what we can accomplish by the end of the season. We are on pace to have a great conference meet, and we will be ready for the last two dual meets we have against St. Bonaventure and Penn State. I am proud to have swam my college swimming career with this team and I look forward to seeing what else Buffalo can accomplish."

Good luck,
Connor Vander Zalm

Senior Perspectives - Andrew Tamchyna

As the season nears it's end, we wanted to recognize our seniors and allow them to reflect on their experiences at Buffalo. Over the next several days, we will share their stories. We hope you enjoy!


Andrew Tamchyna:
"The past four years at Buffalo have been quite an experience, to say the least. Being a student-athlete at the collegiate level has proven quite the learning experience, but being able to continue swimming while pursuing my undergraduate degree was a treat all the way through. The nerves before every race, and the hard, time-consuming training all year long, was all worth it just for the feeling of standing on the podium at the end of the season, knowing I have gone faster than I ever thought I was capable of. In a few weeks, I will have one final shot, and no matter the outcome, I know I can walk away thinking I'm proud of my accomplishments swimming for UB.

The whole swim team has become much like a family away from home for me. I have grown very close with many of my fellow teammates, and have truly enjoyed spending the vast majority of my time with them. From training trips to MAC Championships, every moment has been a blast. It'll be difficult having to say good-bye to everyone this year."

- Andrew

UB Men Beat Miami on Senior Day

On a day when the 6 seniors on the UB Men's team were recognized for their commitment and success, the entire team pulled together to beat MAC rival Miami in convincing fashion. Prior to the meet, seniors Jordan Matthews, Kevin Song, Connor Vander Zalm, Zach Ruske, Andrew Tamchyna, and Mike McDowell (pictured above from left to right) were introduced by members of the team and honored by all who attended Saturday's meet.

The meet began with a win in the 200 medley relay. Matt Schwippert, Josh Meints, Cory Zorsch, and Jared Heine finished with a season best time of 1:33.71. Senior Connor Vander Zalm won the first individual event, the 1650 free, in a season best 16:18.86, and followed with a win in the 500 free. Freshman Josh Meints was the only 3-event winner. Besides swimming the breaststroke leg of the medley relay, Josh won the 100 breast, 200 breast, and 200 IM. Other individual event winners were senior Zach Ruske in the 200 back, freshman Matt Hogan in the 100 free, sophomore Simon Proudfoot in the 50 free, freshman Cory Zorsch in the 100 fly, and sophomore Colin Patrican on 1-meter.

Saturday's win over Miami gives the Men's team a winning record in the MAC for the first time since the 1999-2000 season. Congratulations!

UB Women Make Statement Against Akron

The UB Women's team returned to competition last Friday when they traveled to the University of Akron. It was the first MAC meet for the team since early November and the women were looking forward to seeing how they stacked up against a much improved Akron team. The meet turned out to be one of the most exciting of the season, with the Bulls coming out on top by a score of 158-140.

The meet began with the Bulls winning the 400 medley relay in a season best time of 3:51.10. Jordan Deren followed with a win in the 1000 free. The score of the meet continued to go back and forth after key performances by members of both teams. Here are some of the highlights: Brynn Marecki and Alie Schirmers combined for a 1-2 finish in the 100 breast and 200 breast. Freshman Dani Adank placed 2nd in the 200 fly with a lifetime best of 2:07.4. Caroline Simmons and Jessie Koltz finished 1-2 in the 100 free, while senior Meili Carpenter continued to dominate on the boards. She won 1-meter and 3-meter, and reset her own pool record on 3-meter.

With only two events to go, the meet was tied at 131. Senior Jessica Ballard lead the way in the 200 IM, winning in a season best time of 2:07.42. Alie Schirmers finished 2nd in the event, and Brynn Marecki was 4th. The 200 free relay did not disappoint as the team of Jessie Koltz, Sam Palma, Karly Moore, and Caroline Simmons out touched Akron to win the event and the meet.

Team Begins Semester with 2 Wins on the Road

The first weekend of competition this semester for the UB Swimming & Diving team ended with victories against Niagara University and Binghamton University.

Saturday's meet at Niagara was highlighted by several performances including wins by senior Emily Day in the 100 fly, junior Alisa Koopman in the 200 IM, freshman Logan Mason in the 500 free, and senior Sam Eckert in the 50 free. These were their first individual wins of the season....Congratulations! The men won 11 of the 13 events including both relays. Notable performances include wins by freshmen Zach Rice in the 1000 free, Josh Meints in the 50 free, Matt Schwippert in the 500 free, Cory Zorsch in the 100 back, and Matt Hogan in the 100 breast. The meet provided the freshmen class with several great opportunities to step up and lead the team.

On Monday, the team traveled to Binghamton for a much anticipated competition, especially for the men's team who has had several close meets against the Bearcats in recent years. Both the men and the women showed up ready to swim and made a statement early in the meet. The Bulls swept the relays for the second consecutive meet. Outstanding individual performances include Meili Carpenter on 1-meter and 3-meter, Alisa Koopman in the 1000 free, Jordan Deren in the 200 free and 500 free, Dani Adank in the 200 fly, and a tie in the women's 50 free between Caroline Simmons and Jessie Koltz. The men were lead by Connor Vander Zalm in the 500 free and 1000 free, Josh Meints in the 200 IM and 200 breast, Chris Berloth in the 200 fly, and Matt Schwippert in the 200 back.

You can check out the full results on our website: www.buffalobulls.com

More from Florida...

Practice is over...time to go back to the hotel! Another great workout!


Seniors Jessica Ballard and Connor Vander Zalm hanging out on the wall after warm-up.

Head Coach Andy Bashor working with the sprint group during one of our afternoon, short course practices.

Hitting the Beach - Dryland in Florida

During our time in Florida, we took advantage of the beach as we changed up dryland. Our dryland workouts consisted of a circuit of 5-6 exercises followed by some running relays in the sand. Check out the first exercise from Friday's dryland session....

Training Trip....Bulls travel to Ft. Lauderdale

After a week away in Ft. Lauderdale, the team is back in Buffalo and preparing for the start of the Spring semester. It was a cold week in Florida, but one that included a lot of great training and time together as a team. We will be adding more pictures and videos as the week continues, but here are a few to get you started. We hope you enjoy!


The team getting ready for practice on Friday afternoon....by far the warmest day we had during our time in Florida.

Andy and James discussing the details of practice.

Sunrise at the pool...seeing the sun was a sign of warmer things to come each day!
One of our last mornings at Pine Crest. We trained long course in the mornings and short course in the afternoons. It was nice to mix things up!

Coach Bashor Talks About The Season

Head Coach Andy Bashor talks about the first half of the 2009-10 season, including how the team has been training up to this point and how the men's and women's teams have grown together over the past 3 seasons.