THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, December 28, 1995 TAG: 9512230222
SECTION: NORFOLK COMPASS PAGE: 15 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY PATTI WALSH, COMPASS SPORTS EDITOR
LENGTH: Medium: 63 lines
Returning 16 Eastern District champions make Maury the undisputed league favorite in the girls swimming race.
But some of the Commodores' best could face challenges for individual honors. Lake Taylor's Kelley and Erin Harkins could help the Titans throw a wrench in the race while Booker T. Washington and Granby struggle to rebuild.
The Bookers have a solid foundation, but are still a few years away from competing. Granby, however, may be the league dark horse if the newcomers develop quickly.
At press time, there was no information provided by Norview's team.
This is how the Eastern District girls teams should match up:
BOOKER T. WASHINGTON Coach: Amy Barrineau (1st year).
Top returnees: Donita Barnett, breaststroke, Jr.; Nichelle Bennett, butterfly, Jr.
Top newcomers: Tara Lapeza, freestyle, Jr.; Courtney Pope, freestyle, Jr.; Blair Sherwood, IM, So.
Outlook: The Bookers are looking to build on a young squad and could be a year away from shaking things up in the district.
GRANBY Coach: Judy Martin (6th year).
Top returnees: Sarah McCall, backstroke/IM, Sr.; Erin Ewald, freestyle, Jr.; Anna Ory, freestyle, Jr.; Holly Bayliss, freestyle, So.; Rachel McCall, backstroke, freestyle, So.
Top newcomers: Anna Cox, all events, So.; Shannon Jones, all events, Fr.
Outlook: The Comets have their largest squad in years. The only problem - most are freshman. The team lacks experience, but has loads of potential, Martin says.
LAKE TAYLOR
Coach: Cheryl Jennison (11 years).
Top returnees: Kelley Harkins, IM/ butterfly, Sr.; Erin Harkins, IM/butterfly, Jr.; Nicole Raney, IM/breaststroke, Sr.; Candy Bass, freestyle, Sr.; Angela Riedel, distance, Sr.; Holly Mumford, butterfly, Sr.; Kara Matchen, IM/freestyle, Jr.
Top newcomers: Chauela Manvel, IM/butterfly/backstroke, Jr.; Karen Moss, freestyle/backstroke, Fr.; Jennifer Arruda, backstroke/freestyle, So.; Amber Wilson, breaststroke/freestyle, Sr.; Deanne Maglalang, breaststroke/freestyle, Fr.; Amber Hawkins, backstroke/ freestyle, Fr.
Outlook: Kelley Harkins is the defending 200 freestyle champ and sister Erin has the 200 IM crown. The influx of newcomers and the veterans should make for a competitive Titan team will challenge for the district title.
MAURY
Coach: Ann Laughner (16 years).
Top returnees: Alsion McPhee, freestyle, Sr.; Jessica Kern, backstroke, Sr.; Helen Secrest, butterfly/freestyle, Sr.; Joanna St. George, breaststroke, Sr.; Ashley Austin, butterfly, Jr.; Lisa Dale, backstroke/freestyle, Jr.; Erin McCrillis, freestyle/breaststroke, So.; Tara Holloman, backstroke/freestyle, So.
Top newcomers: Katie Connors, breaststroke/IM/freestyle, So.; Anne McPhee, freestyle/breaststroke, Fr.; Carrie Richardson, butterfly/IM, Fr.; Sarah Smith, backstroke, So.; Ann Stanfield, freestyle/butterfly, So.
Outlook: The Commodores return 16 district champions and should keep their stronghold on the district. by CNB