The Colorado Mesa swimming and diving teams have high expectations for the 2013-14 season after being picked second in both the men's and women's RMAC Preseason Polls. Despite the second place pick, the Mavericks hope their depth will be enough to win the league title over league favorite California Baptist.

"With the departure of Incarnate Word and Grand Canyon, I think the conference title will come down to a battle between California Baptist and us," said second year head coach Ron Allen. "Hopefully our depth will be the difference."

California Baptist, located in Riverside, Calif., has joined the RMAC as an affiliate member for swimming and diving starting this season.

Diver Brock Martin is poised for a big senior season and was selected as the RMAC Preseason Diver of the Year. The six-time All-American has the potential to be in the hunt for a national title at the end of the season.

"Brock really stepped things up at nationals last year," said Allen. "He is one of the cleanest divers in the country and has more focus this year than I have ever seen from him."

Junior Ryan Popp, who qualified for NCAA's last year, scored well at the RMAC meet and is also driven to go to the next level.

The Mavericks also return a pair of talented divers on the women's side in juniors Savannah Craft and Amanda Jennings who both competed at the NCAA Championships a year ago. Jennings earned All-American honorable mention honors in both the one- and three-meter events last season. Jennings was selected as the league's Preseason Diver of the year.
 
"Savannah and Amanda each have the desire and ability to step up and score at nationals this season," said Allen.

Senior Rob Eisendrath, an RMAC preseason all-conference selection, will be the top returner for the Mavs in the backstroke and will add depth in the individual medley events. Last season the Las Vegas, Nev., native earned All-RMAC honors in the backstroke and relay events.

Senior Brett Lowe, an RMAC preseason all-conference selection, returns as the squads top breaststroker and individual medley swimmer. The Pittsburg, Calif., native earned All-RMAC accolades in the 200-yard individual medley and 400-yard medley relay.
Senior captain Josh Scheuermann will be a top threat in the sprint freestyle events this year. The Newton, Kan., product earned All-RMAC honors as a member of the 400-yard free relay.

Senior Tyler Kaslik, an RMAC preseason all-conference selection, is a versatile swimmer who will focus mainly on the longer freestyle events. Last season the Gig Harbor, Wash., native earned all-conference honors in the 200-yard butterfly and 1,000-yard freestyle in addition to three relays.

Three other swimmers, junior Nick Garrett, junior Justin Hastings and senior Kent Olsen Stavrakas, are the team's x-factor and will impact the line-up as the team focuses on the postseason.

New comers for the team include Jarren Brinton who won the Utah state title in the 500 freestyle at West Jordan High School. Also adding depth to the team are freshman Andrew Scott in the backstroke and individual medley events and Kyle Johnston in the butterfly and freestyle.

Briana Purkapile headlines the women's squad and was named to the RMAC preseason all-conference team. The Parker, Colo., native competed in the 100 fly and 200 IM at the NCAA Championships last season. She will also factor into the mid-distance freestyle events as well as serving as a team leader.

Fellow, Parker, Colo., product senior captain Annie Jones will lead the team in the freestyle sprints after earning All-RMAC accolades as a member of the 200-yard freestyle relay.

Senior Katherine Thompson will be the team's top threat in the breaststroke. The Texerkana, Texas, native will also be a staple in many of the team's relays.

Junior Maddison Wigg will be gunning for a conference title in the distance freestyle events. The Jackson, Hole, Wyoming, native is the top-returner in the RMAC in the 1,650 from last season.

Junior Samantha Parker (Houston, Texas) will factor into the sprint and mid-distance freestyle events in addition to the relays where she earned All-RMAC honors in the 200- and 400-yard freestyle relays.

Top freshmen this season will include Craig, Colo., native Eryn Leonard in the freestyle and butterfly, and Denver, native Miranda Reetz in the breaststroke and individual medley events.

The team will open the season at home Oct. 11 with the Intermountain Shootout. The team will host several home meets before hosting the RMAC Championships Feb. 19-22.

"We always strive to swim our best at the end of the year," said Allen. "We are fortunate to host the conference championships this season. We won't have the stress of traveling, but we need to take care of business in our home pool."

The team also has high hopes for the NCAA Championships in Geneva, Ohio.

"Every year we strive to get several individuals to nationals, but this year we are also striving to get a couple of relays to the national meet."