LADY TIGER SWIMMERS READY TO TAKE A DIP

A young but promising Cape Girardeau Central High girls swimming team will hit the water for its first meet Tuesday when the Lady Tigers open the 1998 season at Parkway Central.

The Lady Tigers, 13th at the state meet and 8-7 in duals last year, have just two seniors but coach Dayna Powell is optimistic about another strong season.

"We probably have had the best couple of weeks of practice we've ever had," said Powell. "We have a lot of dedicated girls who have made swimming their number one commitment for the spring, which is nice for a coach.

"We've only got two seniors but we've got a few state qualifiers back and we've got a good group of freshmen. With three meets in one week to open the season, we'll find out pretty quick how we stack up."

Central's only seniors are Caithlin Miller and Jill Mosebach.

The top returning swimmers are three state qualifiers: juniors Grace Freeman and Jennifer Freeze and sophomore Jean Maguire.

"Grace was an all-state sprinter last year and we're looking for big things from here as well as from Jean and Jennifer," Powell said.

Powell is also looking for big things from freshman Mary Beth Owen, who the coach said should surprise the opposition this year.

"If Mary Beth is not our fastest swimmer, she's right up there," said Powell. "She's turned in some really good times with the age-group team, times that are under the state cut times. Our opponents won't know anything about her, so she'll be kind of a surprise."

Junior Julia Lufcy is a returning diver while freshman Sara Sprigg will also be counted on in that event.

The Lady Tigers have their first home meet March 18 when Ft. Zumwalt South visits the Central Pool.