Trying to splash their way to 13th straight title
The Ohio State synchronized swimming team will look to continue its winning tradition this weekend as its ‘B’ squad travels to East Lansing to compete in the Michigan State Invitational.The Buckeyes, winners of 12 straight collegiate titles, will face competition from Michigan, Michigan State, and Canisius in a dual meet.Saturday will mark OSU’s second consecutive meeting against Michigan State, whom they handily defeated in their first meet on January 25.’All the way across the board, we have one of the strongest teams we have ever had,’ said Linda Lichter-Witter, who is in her second year as head coach. ‘We think that the combination of all three squads will help keep the tradition going,’ she said.Becky Jasontek, a senior and U.S. National Team qualifier, hopes 13 is a lucky number for the Buckeyes.’Things are looking very good right now,’ Jasontek said. ‘I believe our depth will be a huge factor during the championships.’A synchronized swimming meet consists of five events: a compulsory exercise, where all competitors must perform the same routine; solos; duets; trios; and teams. Scoring is similar to figure skating, where points are given for execution, artistic impression, difficulty of routine and how well the given area is covered.’Not many people realize what a difficult sport synchro is,’ said Emily Marsh, a three year letterman from Spring Valley, Calif. ‘It is a combined skill sport,’ she said.’You need the strength of a competitive swimmer, the flexibility of a gymnast, and the kinesthetic awareness of a diver,’ Lichter-Witter said. ‘It’s like running the 10K while holding your breath.’At the Summer Games in Atlanta, Lichter-Witter coached the U.S. National Team in an exhibition held before the Olympic swimmers performed. Jasontek and Walsh were two of the ten swimmers from across the country to qualify for the team.’It was amazing,’ Jasontek said with a smile. ‘We usually don’t get much of a crowd at home but in Atlanta the stands were full and everybody was clapping for us.’When the Games come to Sydney, Australia, in 2000, pay close attention to the synchronized swimming event, for you might catch a glimpse of two Ohio State graduates competing for their country.’Emily and Becky have a great chance to be there in 2000,’ Lichter-Witter said. ‘They are certainly on the right path.’
