Blend of veterans, newcomers make Sharks optimistic
by PATRICK J. NAGY Reporter

Sacred Heart lost some quality swimmers from last year's team but they're not complaining.

Coach Kristy Michalek said between returning swimmers and a new crop of freshmen, there should be enough back to have a successful season.

"We're very optimistic," said Michalek, who is assisted by Beth Budniak.

The team's top two returning swimmers are juniors Laura Savattieri and Christina Ruggiero. Both were keys of last year's relay teams. At last year's All-Catholics, Savattieri was on the first-place 200-yard freestyle relay team and, with Ruggiero, helped the Sharks to a school-record in the 400 free relay. The 400 free relay took second.

Savattieri also broke her own school record in the 100 breaststroke. She took second in the event. Ruggiero was third in the 200 individual medley and fourth in the 100 backstroke.

This year, Michalek said Savattieri will swim the 100 breast, 50 free and all relay races. Ruggiero will be placed in any event Michalek needs her to swim, although she is a solid in the IM and 100 back.

"Both put in a ton of work in practice, so when they get to meets, they get great results," said Michalek.

The team has five senior captains - Liz Pusateri (50 free, some relays), KellyAnne Connolly (50, 100 free), Allison Gravelle (backstroke), Amelia Matuszewski (backstroke) and Alyssa Baumgartner (IM, some relays).

Other returning swimmers are sophomore Alex Skomra (backstroke, freestyle) and Kristen Forcucci (200, 500 free).

Michalek has also been impressed with the freshmen, including Sarah Mastrandrea (100, 200 free) and Caroline Niederpruem (200, 500 free).

"I'm really excited about the freshmen class," said Michalek. "I can't wait to see how they do in meets. Hopefully, they can add to our team's success."

Michalek said the freestyle, backstroke and breaststroke should be the team's best events.

Sacred Heart finished with only two losses last year, both to Nardin and took second to the Gators at All-Catholics.

Sacred Heart opens its season on Thursday against Mt. St. Mary's.

"If our swimmers can swim the hardest that they can, that's all my assistant and I can ask for," said Michalek. "If they put in the effort, we'll see results at All-Catholics."
Sacred Heart 2007 Schedule
9-20 Mt. St. Mary's..................................................... 6 p.m.
9-24 Nardin ................................................................. 5 p.m.
9-27 Buffalo Seminary .............................................. 6 p.m.
10-4 Holy Angels........................................................ 5 p.m.
10-11 Mt. Mercy ......................................................... 6 p.m.
10-15 Mt St. Mary's.................................................... 4 p.m.
10-18 Nardin ............................................................... 7 p.m.
10-22 Buffalo Seminary ............................................ 6 p.m.
10-25 Holy Angels...................................................... 6 p.m.
10-29 Mt. Mercy ......................................................... 5 p.m.
11-7 All-Catholics (Erie Community College - City Campus
Burt Flickinger Center) .................................... 6 p.m.
* All meets except All-Catholics are held at Buffalo State
College.
e-mail: pnagy@beenews.com