Three swimmers invited to NCAA championship

Thursday, March 8, 2007

With the NCAA swimming and diving championships kicking off today, three University of Kansas swimmers are set to partake in their own version of March Madness.

Senior captain Jenny Short, sophomore Danielle Herrmann and freshman Ashley Robinson received invitations to the three-day event at the University of Minnesota. Each swimmer qualified in her respective race by swimming a time that ranks in the top 31 in the nation.

The last time Kansas qualified three swimmers was in 1998. Even more impressive is that each swimmer will hit the water in multiple races over the course of the competition.

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We come in with the attitude of simply achieving a best time in their events. Instead of thinking about winning or placing in the top 8, boil it down to things we can control like best times.

- coach Clark Campbell

Short is set to compete in both the 100- and 200-yard backstroke races. Herrmann will do the same in the breaststroke category and will also swim in the 200 yard individual medley. Robinson, a Jayhawk newcomer who came out of nowhere to place 3rd at the Big 12 Championships in the 1650-yard freestyle, will represent Kansas in that event as well as in the 500-yard freestyle.

The group is led into Minnesota by Short, one of two Jayhawks to qualify for the NCAA Championships in 2005. This year’s championships will see a career come full circle for the Olathe native. Her first 200-yard backstroke race as a freshman was in the same pool.

It also marks her final go-around in a collegiate setting, a bittersweet reality for the senior. However, her experience at the tournament two years ago should come in handy.

“I feel a lot more confident this time around, it was completely a surprise,” Short said. “This year it was my goal.”

For first-timers Robinson and Herrmann, both Short and coach Clark Campbell stressed a simple approach.

“We come in with the attitude of simply achieving a best time in their events,” Campbell said. “Instead of thinking about winning or placing in the top 8, boil it down to things we can control like best times.”

Short’s advice: relax and enjoy the moment.

“There aren’t any expectations, necessarily, this time around,” Short said. “They have two or three years left and they’re so talented.”

Kansan sportswriter Daniel Molina can be contacted at dmolina@kansan.com.

— Edited by Jyl Unruh

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