UMaine Swimmers Return from Training

UMaine swimmers returned Sunday after an eight day training trip in Puerto Rico. Despite a ten hour layover, the men’s and women’s teams flew from Boston to San Juan last saturday for some warmth, sun, and some tough training. Practice consisted of two hour morning and afternoon sessions along with dry land training. The trip was a good opportunity for swimmers to build their strength and regain conditioning lost over winter break. To see photos and posts “Like” the University of Maine Swimming and Diving Facebook page. The black bears have two more meets in the regular season – vs. Bowdoin, and the Dartmouth Invitational.

 

Maine Alum –

Former Morse swimmer James Wells, who is a senior at Indiana University, continues to display fast times. He is currently ranked 22nd in the 100 yard backstroke (47.02) nationally. Wells was ranked 8th in the nation at the end of the 2013 season.

Also performing exceptionally is former MDI swimmer Ian Carbone. Carbone, a senior at Texas, is ranked 39th nationally in the 100 yard breaststroke (54.18). Carbone is currently the second fastest breaststroker at Texas.

 

Phelps Re-enters Drug Pool –

Michael Phelps re-entered the USADA drug testing pool in November this year signaling a possible return to competitive swimming. While Phelps did not give any clear indications of his intentions it is highly suggestive of a return. Phelps could be gearing up for the 2015 FINA world championship, or Rio 2016 to once again represent the US on the Olympic stage. While he has likely fallen behind the pace in many events such as the 400 IM or 200 fly, he could still be a huge factor in sprinting events such as the 100 fly or even the 200 IM. If Phelps decides to come out of retirement you can bet that he will earn a ticket to Rio in at least one event.

Matthew England

About Matthew England

Matt is a former Bangor High School swimmer and currently swims for coach Susan Lizzotte at the University of Maine. He holds team records for the Bangor Hurricanes, Bangor High, and the University of Maine. He is an exercise science major for the class of 2016.