The Barometer Online

Issue date: 2/14/07 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Sam Leinen The Oregon State swim team will compete in Long Beach, Calif., this week at the Pac-10 Championships.

For Anna Crandall, swimming at the Pacific-10 Championships is going to be a dream come true.

"I think a year ago I wanted to imagine it because I wanted to be in this position," Crandall said "But I never knew what it would be like actually being here."

Crandall, a freshman on the OSU swim team, is heading to Long Beach, Calif., for the conference's championship meet.

"I am a little bit nervous, because as a freshman I've never done this before," Crandall said. "I really want to perform well for my team; I'm just a little nervous about what might happen."

The Salt Lake City native has excelled in her first season for the Beavers. The strong debut for Crandall has already given her two national 'B' qualifying times. Crandall's times in the 200-yard freestyle and the 200-yard individual medley put her in contention to grab one of the 30 national spots not filled by 'A' qualifiers.

The opportunity to compete in a conference championship for such a prestigious swimming conference was one of the reasons Crandall became a Beaver.

"I'm really excited," Crandall said. "When I was looking at colleges I knew I wanted to swim Pac-10's because it's one of the best conferences in the nation, so I'm really excited to accomplish that and actually be here ready to compete.

Crandall is part of a strong freshman class for OSU that features three swimmers with all-time top-10 finishes at OSU in different events. Joining Crandall in the record books are freshmen Brittney Iverson and Megan Evans.

"The future of our team is in the hands of our freshman and sophomore class right now," said coach Larry Liebowitz. "We have some people who are willing to do the work, step up and get the job done."

Crandall, along with three other Oregon State swimmers, have 'B' qualifying times. Joining Crandall are swimmers Felicia Castaneda, Saori Haruguchi and Kayla Rawlings.

The four swimmers along with the rest of the OSU team look for a strong showing at the Pac-10 meet. Liebowitz feels that any one of his swimmers can compete for a spot at nationals.

Continued...

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