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About The Battalion. (College Station, Tex.) 1893-current | View Entire Issue (Nov. 2, 1984)
Page 10/The Battalion/Friday, November 2, 1984 Photo by DEAN SAITO Texas A&M swimmer Karen Sullivan does ration for the Aggies’ season opener this practice laps in Wofford Cain pool in prepa- weekend at the SWC Relay meet in Lubbock. Nash makes a splash By TAMARA BELL Sports Writer As head coach of the Texas A&M Men’s and Women’s Swimming teams, Mel Nash encourages a fam ily atmosphere. Sort of an aquatic Brady Bunch. “One of our strengths as a com bined swimming program is the way we work together as a large family,” Nash said. “In our workouts, the men aren’t as coarse and the women are less complaining. The teams compliment each other by bringing out the strengths of each swimmer and squelching the weaknesses.” Even though the Aggie men’s team is considered a young squad, according to 1983 statistics, the team should finish fourth in the South west Conference this year. “In the six years I’ve coached at A&M, this is the youngest team we’ve had,” Nash said. “Out of eigh teen members, eight are freshmen. The talent is there. It’s just a ques tion of how long it will take for that talent to manifest in the water. “This season is a learning experi ence from both standpoints because, while I’m learning what each athlete is capable of, the swimmers are learning the ‘Aggie method.’” The Aggie women’s team is exac tly the opposite. “The women have a lot of experi ence coming back,” Nash said. “We expect to do well with five seniors re turning and our All-American relay team of Melanie Schmauch, Susan Marks, Eileen Doull and Jody Tan- Swimming Coach Mel Nash ner coming back from last year.” In past swim seasons, the men’s low finish within the SWC hindered, rather than helped, when it came time to recruit. However, Nash be lieves this season is an exception to that past rule. “Traditionally, if a swimmer from Texas is any good, he will either ap ply to SMU |Or Texas because of their outstanding swim programs,” Nash said. “Ironically, once we leave the state, it’s easy to sign talented athletes because A&M is considered a strong swim team nationally. In five years we’ve rebuilt the program ai>d prospective recruits from around the country realize the Ag gies’ potential.” While strength changes are prom inent in the men’s program, the women retain strong freestyle swim mers, Nash said. “The women’s team is known for its strong freestyle stroke,” he said. “The men’s program will emphasize the butterfly stroke because of its ex ecutors — Chris O’Neil and John Heldenfels. Both teams have a better balance and depth than in past sea sons. We’re three-deep in every stroke and I’ve never been able to say that.” The Aggies’ 1984-85 conference campaign begins with the SWC Re lays in Lubbock November 2. A&M’s first home meet is scheduled for No vember 10 against SMU, ranked one of the top four teams in the nation. " One of Nash’s goals for his A&M swimmers is to improve the athlete with each meet. “Not only do I want the team to improve with each swimming meet, but I want to improve as a coach be cause each event is a learning experi ence for both the coach and the team and I want to be the best coach I can be. That just takes trial and error. “When I see the team pull to gether at a meet, encouraging each other through the individual as well as the relay events, I know that I’ve accomplished another one of my goals.” Compare Experience and Positions III Dan Kubiak Joe Barton Legislative Experience: 14 Years 7 terms, Texas House of Representatives; Chair man, Public Education and Higher Education Committees. One of Texas Montly’s “Ten Best Legis lators”. None Endorsed by Primary Election Opponents: Endorsed by both of his primary opponents, Hugh Parmer and Rip Van Winkle. All three primary oppon ents - Max Hoyt, Bob Har ris, and Pat Friedrichs - refused to endorse Barton. Low Interest Student Loans: FOR AGAINST History of Working for TAMU: As Chairman of the House Education Committee, he worked with Appropria tion Chairman Bill Presnal (D. Brazos County) to help A&M grow from 9,000 students to over 30,000. Dan served on the Higher Education Committee and appropriated monies to further the high standards of TAMU. None Independence: Will evaluate each indi vidual issue and will vote in the interest of the dis trict, the state and the Vows “100% support” of his national party plat form. “Dan Kubiak will take the special Texas wisdom with him when he goes to Washington. ’’ >anW^ 1 * Kubia A Texas Democrat for Congress Paid for by Aggies for Kubiak. 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