Not Your Typical Rookie

South African Swimmer Brings Plenty of Experience to
Synchronized Swimming Team

BY SETH FIKES

Just 45 minutes from Shannon Crowder’s home in Durban, South Africa, giraffes and rhinos roam.

So what would bring her to a small college in Upstate New York?

Synchronized swimming.

“I feel like I am going to achieve my goals under Coach Wightman,” said Crowder.

Wightman directs one of the elite synchronized swimming programs in the country. The Storm enter the 2006-07 season ranked No. 5 in the country.

“Shannon has brought enthusiasm, maturity, and excellent technical skills to our team,” said Wightman. “We will have a very strong season with her as part of our team.”

If early returns are any indication, Wightman is on target with her assessment.

In Keuka’s lone competition thus far, a 34.5-29 win over Division I powerhouse Canisius College (ranked No. 6 in the country), Crowder won the “A” figures which sealed the win for the Storm.

“I was skeptical going into our first meet as I was doing “A” figures for the first time,” she said,” but I did very well and was excited and surprised to get good marks and win.”  

Although a freshman, Crowder brought plenty of experience with her to Keuka Park. She has won more than 60 medals while competing in six countries.

Here is just a sampling of her accomplishments:

  • Fourth place in the solo event at the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne, Australia.
  • Named Synchronized Swimmer of the Year for 2004-05 at the prestigious South African Aquatics Sports Awards Ceremony held in Johannesburg. 
  • Won multiple gold medals (solo routine and top scoring routine) at the 2005 South African Senior National Championships held in East London. 
  • Represented South Africa at events in Switzerland, Croatia, and Seattle, Wash., in 2001.

Crowder is a member of the South African Olympic squad and has a chance to compete at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, China. 

“I don’t presume that I will be on the team, but there is a really good chance,” she explained. “I hope to go to the 2008 Olympics to get some experience and then focus to do really well at the 2012 Olympics in London.”

Crowder has adapted well to life in Keuka Park 

“I love it here at Keuka and have made some great friends,” said Crowder, who graduated from Durban Girls College (high school) in 2004. “Everyone is so kind and friendly.”

The same might be said of Crowder.

“She is so outgoing and fun that it makes it easy for her to adjust to new surroundings,” said Wightman.

What does she miss most about South Africa? Her parents and brother.

And one other thing.

"Swimming in an outdoor pool in the sun."


 

Cut Right to the Chase

Keuka to Host Opening Round Tourney Games Jan. 9 & 10

The largest in-season Division III basketball tournament in the nation is coming to Keuka College next month.

The College will host first round doubleheaders Jan. 9 (women’s) and 10 (men’s). The action tips off at 6:15 each evening in the Weed Physical Arts Center, with the Storm playing in the 8:15 games. 		Besides Keuka, the tournament brings together Nazareth College, University of Rochester, Rochester Institute of Technology, SUNY Brockport, SUNY Geneseo, Roberts Wesleyan College, and St. John Fisher College.

The University of Rochester women and the St. John Fisher College men are the defending champions. 

Both Keuka squads finished sixth a season ago, defeating Nazareth College in second round games.

Seedings will be announced Jan. 7.