The University of the Cumberlands swimmers had a very successful year. The Patriots concluded the regular season with five wins against their opponents, suffering only three losses. In tournament action, the men's team finished first twice and second three times. The ladies earned two first place finishes, were runner-ups twice, and received third place once.
Cumberlands swimmers closed the 05-06 season in St. Louis, MO March 1-4, 2006. The ladies returned home with a third place finish in the 2006 NAIA National tournament. Eight of Cumberlands ladies and four relay teams finished with top 12 times. The men's team finished sixth in the competition. Seven Patriot swimmers and two relay teams had top 12 times within the tournament.
Christen Heideman and Jessica Harrison earned All-American status, as well as the 800 Free, 400 Medley, and 400 Free Relay teams. The 800 Free team included Layne Royer, Laurie Anderson, Jessica Harrison, and Christen Heideman. The 400 Medley consisted of Carol Clayton, Lindsay Madsen, Christen Heideman, and Lane Royer. Lane Royer, Laurie Anderson, Sara Crooke, and Jessica Harrison completed the 400 Free team. The team was also proud to present awards to five Academic All-Americans, including: Noel Zvonar, Catherine Mack, Christen Heideman, Lindsay Madsen, and Lane Royer.
Awarded the MVP for the men's team was Dustin Sansale. Chirsten Heideman received the honor for the Patriot ladies. Sansale and Heideman each earned three individual top times at the NAIA tournament as well as assisted various relay teams.
Coach Garry Nelson commented, “Our team was very young this year. Even though we had a good showing, we are looking forward to next year.” Due to graduation, the Patriots will lose key athletes Noel Zvonar, Christen Heideman, and Catherine Mack. With losing only three seniors and gaining a good recruiting class for next season, Coach Nelson hopes to continue to build on the success of both squads.
