Almost exactly one year ago, it seemed that things couldn't get any better for Penn men's swimming team.
With a strong core group of upperclassmen and a recruiting class loaded with Junior National qualifiers, the excitement of coach Mike Schnur was no surprise.
What is surprising is that, one year later, Schnur's enthusiastic tune hasn't changed.
"The team hasn't been this good in a very long while," Schnur said.
Schnur explains that the Quakers have finally attained a characteristic that coaches of any team sport strive for -- depth.
"Everyone on the roster is a solid swimmer," he said. "Each team member has the ability to compete at the highest level and if a guy is off, then we certainly have replacements."
Senior captain Spencer Driscoll points out that Schnur's recruiting is responsible for the team's current status.
"Since coach Schnur came in, he has made each recruiting class progressively faster," Driscoll said.
This phenomenon is evidenced again this year, as the newest group of Quakers enter the season with perhaps the most potential the program has ever seen.
"This year's freshman class has a chance to be the best ever," Schnur said.
Rookie Pat Maloney headlines an extremely talented freshman class. Arguably the best Ivy league recruit this past year, Maloney is a Senior National Qualifier and a three-time northeast sectional champion.
Racing a swift 1:49.5 in the 200 meter butterfly and 9.19.0 in the 1000 meter freestyle, Maloney is expected to have an immediate impact on his squad.
"Pat has the potential to do some very special things here at Penn," Schnur said.
The Quakers finished eighth out of 10 teams at the Eastern Intercollegiate Swimming League Championships last year. The EISL is the Red and Blue's final and most important competition.
Schnur expects this year to be a different story for the Red and Blue.
"This year we are looking to break into the Ivy League's top five," Schnur said.
The Quakers begin their quest for a top-five finish this weekend when they take on Ancient Eight rivals Cornell and Princeton.
Struck by the recent death of a team member, Cornell swimmers will rest before this weekend in preparation for its confrontation with the Red and Blue.
"Cornell is banking their entire season on beating us," Schnur said.
In addition to racing against the imposing programs of the Ivy League, the Quakers will host national power Notre Dame later this year at Sheerr pool.
"We are honored to host such a high caliber program," Schnur said.
Schnur expects the competitive nature of his swimmers to help them realize their immense potential and successfully complete their challenging schedule.
"These are guys that hate to lose," Schnur said.
Penn's season opens Saturday against Cornell and Princeton in Princeton, N.J.
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