your guide to some of Hillsdale's athletic elite
Tony Gugino
Issue date: 9/4/08 Section: Sports
Linda Okonkowski
Year: Freshman
Major: Biology
Coach:
Linda Okonkowski already swims at times faster than several of Hillsdale's school records, head swim coach Kurt Kirner said. Her first chance to officially clock those times will be Oct. 18, in the meet with Ashland University.
Kirner says things look good for Okonkowski. "Her times coming in would place her very high in the conference and are pushing national qualifying cuts. Provided she has a good season, I think she has a very realistic chance of medalling in conference and getting to NCAA [Swimming and Diving Championships]... She definitely has the ability to make her mark."
Perspective:
Okonkowski hopped in the pool for her first college practice Aug. 27, her first day of college classes. She cheerfully, yet seriously, says that her goal for the year is to make it to the NCAA championships. Okonkowski has been swimming competitively since she was six years old. This summer she swam and lifted weights with her club team, the Dearborn Dolphins. She said she loves swimming for the competition, and because "it runs in the blood." Okonkowski's father and sister both swam in high school. "My family's really excited and supportive," she said. Her favorite Olympic swimmer is Ryan Lochte.
Year: Freshman
Major: Biology
Coach:
Linda Okonkowski already swims at times faster than several of Hillsdale's school records, head swim coach Kurt Kirner said. Her first chance to officially clock those times will be Oct. 18, in the meet with Ashland University.
Kirner says things look good for Okonkowski. "Her times coming in would place her very high in the conference and are pushing national qualifying cuts. Provided she has a good season, I think she has a very realistic chance of medalling in conference and getting to NCAA [Swimming and Diving Championships]... She definitely has the ability to make her mark."
Perspective:
Okonkowski hopped in the pool for her first college practice Aug. 27, her first day of college classes. She cheerfully, yet seriously, says that her goal for the year is to make it to the NCAA championships. Okonkowski has been swimming competitively since she was six years old. This summer she swam and lifted weights with her club team, the Dearborn Dolphins. She said she loves swimming for the competition, and because "it runs in the blood." Okonkowski's father and sister both swam in high school. "My family's really excited and supportive," she said. Her favorite Olympic swimmer is Ryan Lochte.
Be the first to comment on this story