When the varsity swimming team begins a new season next year, Nevitte Ronald Hayes '67 will take his position on the starting book as the strongest contribution of the present freshman class to winter sports.
A former Olympic silver medalist for Australia, Hayes must be rated the best swimmer in the University. This year he easily smashed the University record in the 200-yard butterfly and, late in the season, broke the NCAA freshman mark for the distance.
But Hayes will be only one of many valuable additions from this year's Yardling squad to the varsity. Jim Seubold, who for a short time held the NCAA freshman record in the 200-yard freestyle, will probably become the varsity's number one man in this distance.
Bob Corris, present holder of the freshman record in the 200-yard breast-stroke with a respectable 2:26.9, will bolster the already-strong Crimson contingent in that event.
Strong Group for Varsity
Behind these top performers, the Yardlings will send a strong, but less spectacular, group of swimmers. Steve Teaford, who presently does the 200-yard individual medley, may find a spot here in one of the relays. Captain Alan Rose can he expected to help in the butterfly as freestylers Andy Grinstead and Bob Padway will undoubtedly do in the sprints.
Yardlings should also fit well into the plans of some of the other winter sports.
The hockey team, which will lose a seasoned core of seniors at graduation, can stand some help. Freshman coach Nat Harris rates captain Charlie Scammon, a defenseman, the best bet to find a position on next year's varsity.
As for forwards--the varsity will be losing almost all of its first two lines--Harris sees five with varsity potential: Ed Zellner, Frank Mackey (the team's high scorer), Dennis McCullough, Eric Rosanberger, and Peter Waldinger.
All Have Assets
"I don't think one is head and shoulders above the others," Harris explained. "They all have their assets and liabilities. It depends on what gaps need filling."
Also headed for a varsity slot may be the Yardling goalie, Bill Fitzsimmons. This year's goal tender, Brandy Sweitzer, departs with graduation, but if Fitzsimmons wants the position be will have to outshine several J.V. goalies and Wade Welch, the second man on the varsity.
Another team which will be drawing heavily on this year's Yardlings will be fencing. Edo Marion, who coaches both the varsity and the freshmen, estimates that there will be at least four present Yardlings on next year's starting nine-man squad.
A Real Fighter
On top of his list are captain Tom Musliner in the foil and Bob Damus in the saber. Marion reserved special praise for Musliner: "He is a real fighter; he has fencing in his blood and in his spirit."
In addition, Marion said, all of this year's freshman team should be joining the varsity squad, and many of them will probably see action in some of the easier matches.
Rounding out prospects for present Yardlings on next year's varsities:
* Wrestling: At least four men--Howard Henjyoji (123), captain Ed Franquemont (157), Don Gasink (167), and Chris Wickens (177)--should be in active contention for varsity slots.
Dressler for Varsity
* Basketball: Only captain Gene Dressler, a guard, seems likely to make Floyd Wilson's squad. Even though the varsity doesn't need guards (with Keith Sedlacek, captain-elect Leo Scully, and lettermen Al Bornhelmer and Bill Fegley back), freshman coach Bruce Munro speculated that Dressier might "give some people a run for their money."
* Squash: Graduation will deplete this year's squad of seniors, including the legendary Vic Niederhoffer. These losses should give Yardlings Craig Stapleton (1) and Mat Hall (2) a crack at the lower positions on Jack Barnaby's team. A crack is all they will get, however. Neither turned in the type of sparking season record that would assure him of a position.
* Track: Undoubtedly, the Yardling contribution to the Crimson varsity should be considerable. How considerable should become apparent after this spring's schedule.
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