Associate Head Coach Martyn Wilby took the Florida Gators’ weekly press conference this week, recapping the weekend that was for Florida.
Wilby talked a lot about the leadership role taken by the junior class of women. Specifically, he noted the early season prowess of sprinter Natalie Hinds (“She’s one of the best sprinters in the nation and goes to the block expecting to win everytime,” he said), the tough 1000 free/200 free double pulled by Jess Thielmann against LSU, plus the big-time versatility the team is getting from Lindsey McKnight, who’s been a utility breaststroker on the medley relays in addition to a freestyler and IMer.
Of note on the men’s side: Wilby said the team purposefully divided its 400 free relays by class against LSU, giving the team a chance to stir up some intrasquad rivalries.
“There was a lot of talk back and forth about who was going to win,” Wilby said. “The freshman men didn’t back down. Lost on the last length, but they certainly knew what racing was all about.”
The Gators will go on the road for the first time this season, heading to Kentucky on Wednesday for a Thursday night dual. Wilby talked a little about the short turnaround and the first travel meet for Florida’s freshmen classes.
You can view the full interview on the GatorVision website here.
