Oct. 24, 2016
NOTRE DAME, Ind. – The Notre Dame men’s and women’s swimming & diving programs are both ranked in the top 15 in this week’s collegeswimming.com rankings. The Fighting Irish women are No. 10 and men are No. 12 after a successful road trip last weekend in Atlanta, where the men defeated Georgia Tech, 181-172, and the women won big, 274-79.
It is the first time in recent years that both men’s and women’s programs have ranked as high at the same time, thanks in part to the teams’ depth under head coach Mike Litzinger. The women have seen significant contributions from freshmen Katie Smith, Abbie Dolan and Claire Andrews, while getting solid senior leadership from captains Catherine Mulquin and Annie Crea. Strong veteran performances from senior captain Reed Fujan, junior Robert Whitacre and sophomores Justin Plaschka and Tabahn Afrik have paced the Irish men.
Coach Litzinger is proud of what his team has accomplished in the polls but feels the best is yet to come for his squad.
“The staff and I are incredibly proud of our team and what they have accomplished so far this season. Being recognized in the polls is great, but it is only a snapshot of the work already done….there is a very long season ahead of us, and keeping focus will be the key to our future success.”
The Irish are back in action at home at 5 p.m. ET Friday at the Rolfs Aquatic Center, when they welcome Purdue, Miami and the Rutgers women’s team. Fans can follow the Irish on Twitter @NDWSwimdive and @NDMensswimdive for live meet results.
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