Gearing up for their final season in the Skyline Conference, the dynasty that is the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy swimming and diving program has set some clear and solid goals for the upcoming year.

The 2005-2006 swimming and diving program marked one of their greatest seasons in USMMA history, racking up an NCAA qualifiers, two ECAC "open" cuts, two Academy records and claiming their third straight Skyline Conference title.

For the women, the goal is continue on their golden streak and win their fourth and final Skyline Title, and hopefully move up one spot at the Metropolitan Conference Championships.

"We've enjoyed our success in the Skyline thus far," remarked head coach Sean Tedesco. "There is some tough competition in the conference this season. We are going to try to find a way to win some important dual meets, especially with a big help from our consistently successful diving program."

The women have significant losses with the graduation of key senior competitors, Kimberly Sercel, Allyson Christensen, Jacqueline Paul, Kelsey Newell, Jennifer Johnson and diver Marlaina Pippin.

"This will be a rebuilding year for the women after the loss of six seniors and one NCAA qualifier in Marlaina," remarked Tedesco.

Tedesco will be looking for the leadership of veterans such as Morgan Evans, Elizabeth Mock and Megan Foster to garner some important points for the women.

A multitalented swimmer, Evans is the senior captain for the women. Tedesco marks her as the most adaptable swimmer the women have had in the last few years.

"She has basically been the backbone of our program because of her versatility," said Tedesco. "We can definitely count on that again this season."

Mock, a fellow returning senior will also add depth to the Mariner roster, especially in the backstroke and butterfly events. Foster will be a solid contributor in the sprint events.

Looking to fill the void left behind by the six seniors is freshman Gina Gattschalk. Gattschalk is a versatile swimmer who will be used in many events this season, especially in important dual meets.

Off the 1-meter and 3-meter boards, Sarah Christensen, Jackeline Peterson and Catherine Horn look to continue the tradition of success for the Mariner diving program. Christensen and Peterson will follow in the footsteps of NCAA qualifier Pippin and add a lot of value in the point area in dual meets for the women.

"Marlaina left some very big shoes to fill," remarked head diving coach Kevin Ryan. "All the Merchant Marine divers were told to get comfortable off the 3-meter board this year. I told them to build a tree house up there, as they will be spending a lot of time up there."

The Mariner diving team will be learning various new dives off the 3-meter board, most specifically an aerial dive, where most other schools lack consistency.

For the women, their biggest tests for the season will be their tri-meet against Queens/Baruch on Dec. 8, Division II competitor Adelphi on Jan. 18, 2007, and conference foe Stevens Institute of Technology on Feb. 3, 2007. All three meets will be hosted in the Mariner pool.

After the Skyline Championships, the Mariners will aim their training toward the Metropolitan Championships on Feb. 16, 2007, where they compete against 21 women's teams. The teams to beat at the Metropolitan Championships will be C.W. Post for Division II and College of New Jersey and Rowan for Division III.