ALFRED, NY - After winning the Empire 8 Championship on the men's side last year, the Alfred University men's and women's swimming & diving teams will both look to claim the championship this year.
The rosters are led by Head Coach Brian Striker, who is in his 22nd season with the Saxons.
"In preparation for the upcoming season, we met individually with all our student athletes and set goals for the season. They all worked extremely hard in the offseason, and we have noticed a positive difference in their daily approach and readiness to compete." Head Coach Brian Striker said.
The women's roster has 8 returning athletes and 7 incoming first years while the men's roster has 16 returners and 8 incoming first years. Both rosters also have 1 incoming transfer.
"The team has been meshing well so far due to the great leadership we have on our team. The success of our program is driven by the positive culture we have created and the sharing of a common goal of an Empire 8 Championship." Striker said.
The men's roster is led by Fernando Lagos (Tegucigalpa, Honduras/Escuela e Instituto Lincoln) and Phillip Volaski (Poughquag, NY/Arlington). They were both essential parts of last year's E8 Championship and will look to reclaim their E8 title this year.
"On the men's side, first and foremost we want to defend our Empire 8 Championship. Along with that goal, we want to continue to build a swimming & diving program that has a national presence. We have a great group of guys who are driven to achieve these goals and feel they are set up for success this season." Striker said.
Kamila Roman (Mamaroneck, NY/Mamaroneck) and Mia Spencer (Omaha, NE/Omaha Central) lead the women's team this year. The Lady Saxons will look to improve on last year's third place finish in the Empire 8 in the upcoming season.
"On the women's side, we are extremely excited to have a larger roster this season. Of course, our goal for the women's team is to eventually win an Empire 8 Championship, but in the short term move up in the standings. Aside from that, we want to continue to grow the team and foster a positive environment." Striker said.
Head Coach Brian Striker is joined on the coaching staff by Victoria Cramp (Diving Coach), Michael Spencer (Assistant Coach), Andrew Parr (Graduate Assistant), and Fynn Vossler (Volunteer Assistant Coach).
"I have always been blessed with attracting great people who want to help the program. Everyone on our coaching staff is willing to go the extra mile and spends considerable time developing our athletes. Their willingness to go above and beyond makes my job easier and allows a good deal of flexibility. It felt great last year to be named as the E8 coaching staff of the year and it was well deserved for the entire staff." Striker said.
The Saxons 2023-24 season is set to begin with a home meet against RIT on October 21st, followed by two more home meets to open the season. Then they will have a stretch of away meets before returning home for their Saxon-for-Saxon and Senior day against Ithaca College on January 27th. Alfred University will later appear at the Empire 8 Championships starting on February 14th.
