Objects in the mirror may be larger than they appear.  That's the case with this year's Cavalier  class.  Not only do they get the nation’s top 200 backstroker, a Swiss that can push Matt McLean, and a sprinter on the cusp of big things, but they also welcome back Ryan Hurley and Pat Mellors.

David Karasek’s decision to enroll makes him a top-ten catch for the Cavaliers.  Name the distance and the Swiss stud can cover it as well as anyone.  Karasek, more than most 400-500 guys though is a lethal addition to the UVA relays.  Pete Geissinger enjoyed a breakthrough senior year and, with Karasek on relays will have, according to one coach “Dino jumping up and down.”  We don’t know that we’d go that far, but they’ll have the normally stoic head coach a happy man.  David Wren is the top 200 backstroker in the country and with IMer Tom Inwood, and Flyer Brad Pittieger, give Virginia SIX top-100 recruits.  The only gap would appear to be breaststroke, but Hurley’s return will buy time for Doug Eden to develop. 

 

A rival coach’s perspective: “They’re hitting on all cylinders right now.  They’re branching out and with a good year, could become a force nation-wide.  If so – look out.” 

9	Karasek, David
	Zurich, Switzerland	Limmat Sharks
24	Geissinger, Peter	Darien YMCA
	Darien, CT	The Lawrenceville School
50	McCarthy, Kevin	Atlantis Aquatics
	Bethleham, PA	Liberty HS
59	Inwood, Thomas	University Swim Club
	Solon, OH	Solon HS
68	Wren, David	NOVA of Virginia Aquatics, Inc
	Richmond, VA
79	Pottieger, Brad	Jersey Wahoos
	Cinnaminson, NJ	Cinnaminson HS
313	Eden, Doug	Team Foxjet
	Edina, MN	Edina HS
347	Greytak, Graham
	Puyans, Tony	Pottstown YMCA
	Pottstown, PA