In 2011-12, the John Carroll men's swimming & diving team went into the University of Akron's Ocasek Natatorium in the middle of February and pulled out a second place finish at the OAC Championships.

While February seems far in the distance, a long season may be just what is needed for a young and developing JCU team.

"It will be hard to replace the really good senior class we had last year," said head coach Matt Lenhart.  "But if our younger guys come along and we can improve individually, I think the team achievements will take care of themselves."

Gone is 2012 OAC Clyde Lamb award winner Eric Davis, who was part of two OAC Champion relay teams a year ago, as well as Alex Vereshchagin, who won two individual championships and was All-Conference in six events last season.

Despite the losses, Lenhart is optimistic about the way his current team has handled itself in the preason.

"The collective attitude from the guys has been really good," he said.  They are developing some chemistry and those intangibles may carry us through some of the early season growing pains."

The Blue Streaks will rely on several returners to lead the team in 2012-13, including Nick Holvey (All-OAC in 100 Free, 200/400 Free Relay, 200 IM) and Drew Edson (All-OAC in 200 Free, 800 Free Relay).  David Sved will bring past success and experience in Freestyle races, as will Michael Ian Goggins in the Breaststroke and Individual Medleys.

An intriguing freshman class is highlighted by Jacob Crain, who is in his first collegiate season after an impressive career at Charleston (WV) Catholic High School.

The coaching staff will have a new look, as well. Jessie Bruns begins her first season as a graduate assistant coach, and former JCU assistant Charlie Lownes returns to University Heights to mentor the youthful Streaks.

John Carroll opens its campaign by hosting seven-time defending OAC Champion Ohio Northern University at the Johnson Natatorium on Saturday, October 27 at 1:00 p.m.

"It will be interestng to see how we compete with Northern," Lenhart observed.  "That will show how ready we are at this point, and I'm looking forward to see how our guys improve throughout the season.