March 15, 2002

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The UAB synchronized swimming team is set to make its third consecutive appearance at the U.S. Collegiate Synchronized Swimming Championships and compete for a national crown March 21-23 in Norton, Mass. on the campus of Wheaton College. The Blazers are coming off back to back fourth place finishes at the championships in 2000 and 2001.

More than 150 of the world's top athletes from 21 universities will swim for bragging rights in the solo, duet, trio and team events. The championships are an open-class meet, combining competition for NCAA Divisions I, II and III, plus NAIA schools.

The Blazers have posted four meet victories this season, including wins against Keuka College, the University of Arizona, the University of Incarnate Word and a first place finish at the South Collegiate Regionals in Richmond, Va.

"We're going into our third Collegiate Championships looking really strong," said UAB Head Coach Amy O'Donnell. "All the routines are ready, the team is in great condition and I'm confident we?ll do really well. Our routines have a higher degree of difficulty and better execution than they did this time last year and we expect a strong finish."

Ohio State will attempt to repeat as U.S. Collegiate champions, and earn its 22nd overall and third consecutive title in the 26th year of the championships.

Top athletes advance to the U.S. National Championships and World Cup Team Trials, April 18-20 in Oxford, Ohio. The U.S. Nationals represent the top synchronized swimming programs in the U.S. from all levels of competition.

Teams competing in the 2002 Collegiate Championships include UAB, Ohio State, Stanford, Michigan, Florida, Penn, Minnesota, Iowa, Arizona, Mary Washington College, William & Mary, Canisius College, Wheaton College, Walsh University, the University of Incarnate Word, Washington and Richmond.