Five Yellow Jackets Gain Valuable Experience At Olympic Swimming Trials

July 7, 2008

ATLANTA – Senior Noah Copeland, juniors Johnny Hagaman and Agatha Kwasnik, sophomore Travis Wagner and incoming freshman Heidi Hatteberg represented Georgia Tech at the Olympic Swimming Trials last week at the Qwest Center in Omaha, Neb. These five Jackets gained valuable experience against the best competition out there and look to build on that for the upcoming season.

“I hope they will see that they can compete with the best and they are one of the best in the country,” head coach Stu Wilson said. “Their confidence will carry over to the team this fall and hopefully open their eyes that anything is possible if you put your mind to it.”

Copeland competed in three events throughout the week in Omaha and registered marks of 51.16 in the 100-free, 1:54.77 in the 200-free and 55.63 in the 100-fly. Hagaman swam a 57.64 in the 100-back, while Kwasnik completed the 100-free in 57.79. Wagner competed in the 100-fly and touched the wall in 55.10, while Hatteberg wrapped up the 100-back in a time of 1:05.76.

“This experience has really opened their eyes,” continued Wilson. “Just being in that electric environment goes a long way for each of these student-athletes and show that they can compete with the best in the world. It is certainly a nerve-wracking experience, but they knew that going in and competing at such a high level.”