June 2, 2005
George Mason University's swimming & diving programs have a proven history of success and the 2004-05 season proved no different.
Each squad recorded a flawless conference dual meet record of 7-0 during the 2004-05 campaign, while the women concluded the year with an 8-2 overall record, while the men were 8-1 overall.
The conference championships were held at the Aquatic and Fitness Center (Feb. 23-26) on Mason's campus for the sixth-straight year. The Patriot women won its fourth-straight league title, while the men's team mirrored its effort from the previous season as Mason earned a second place finish.
Mary Campioli earned CAA Diver of the Year, which made it the second-straight year for a female Patriot to receive this honor. In addition, Tom Koucheravy was tabbed as the conference Male Swimmer of the Year. Amanda Fielding earned CAA Female Rookie Diver of the Year and Stephen Lepsch was named league Rookie Diver of the Year on the men's side. In addition, Campioli was named Outstanding Female Diver of the CAA Championships.
Ward and his staff coached six CAA champions and the Patriots won 11 total events at the conference championships in 2005. Christy Anderson won both the 200-yard individual medley and the 400 IM in times of 2:04.76 and 4:25.59, respectively. David Cooper finished in first in the 100 breaststroke (57.07) and the 200 breast (2:01.81), while Joe Houchin claimed first place in the 200 butterfly (1:51.50). Tim Norton also won the 200 IM with a time of 1:52.57.
Tom Koucheravy was a two-time CAA champion as he won the 500 freestyle in 4:28.69 and the 1,650 free in a conference meet record time of 15:18.80. Koucheravy also qualified for the U.S. World Championship Swimming Trials where he finished 10th in 1,500-meter freestyle
Mason once again dominated in the diving competitions at the 2005 CAA Championships in Fairfax. Four Patriots, on the women's side, finished in the top-10 in both diving events, with Campioli winning both the 1-meter and the 3-meter and Gabriel placing second in the 3-meter. Mason had three in the top-10 in both events for the men, with John Appleman placing second in the 3-meter and third in the 1-meter event.
Five divers competed at the NCAA Zone Championships in Appleman, Campioli, Fielding, Colleen Flack and Liz Gabriel.
In addition, Ward was named CAA co-Men's Coach of the Year for the second time in his caree, while McDonald was tabbed as the women's Colonial Athletic Association Diving Coach of the Year for the second-consecutive season.
