Aug. 22, 2000
The Western Kentucky men's and women's swimming and diving teams sent seven representatives to three countries' Olympic Trials last week.
Among the WKU contigent were five Americans, one Canadian and one Briton.
Among the American qualifiers was WKU graduate Kicker Vencill (Richmond, Ky.) who was a leader in the freestyle events for the Hilltoppers. Vencill placed 20th in the 100 freestyle, less than one second off the pace of the eight finalists. Vencill was named the Hilltoppers' Most Valuable Swimmer as a sophomore, junior and senior, and was selected Western's 1999-2000 Male Athlete of the Year.
Senior breaststroker Andrew Priest (Brentwood, Tenn.), who will serve as a tri-captain for the 2000-01 season, and junior freestyler David Tucker (Decatur, Ill.) also participated in the meet, which was held at the IUPUI Natatorium in Indianapolis.
On the women's side, junior backstroker Brandi Beckwith (Lexington, Ky.) and junior freestyler Sydney Mountford (Lexington, Ky.) competed a the trials.
Junior backstroker Gord Veldman (Kingston, Ontario) had the best showing for WKU by placing ninth in the 100 backstroke a the Canadian Olympic Trials.
Sophomore breaststroker Bev Robertson qualified for the British Olympic Trials but did not compete.
"While no one qualified for the Olympics, our athletes gained valuable experience in a big time meet," WKU head coach Bill Powell said. "The United States is the best swimming nation and to qualify for the Olympics is a special feat. Our athletes will use this experience to their benefit at future college championship meets."
The WKU teams are currently training for the 2000-01 season after posting perfect records last season. the men finished 12-0, while the women were 13-0. The Hilltoppers open the season at 7 p.m. (CDT) Oct. 19 at Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
