Sept. 20, 2013
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - Penn State swimming and diving has announced the men's and women's captains for the 2013-14 season. On the women's side, Claire Singley (Southlake, Texas) and Chelsea Weedman (Poway, Calif.) will lead the squad, while Chris Cipolla (South River, N.J.) and James Wilson (Nottingham, Pa.) received the honors for the men's team. Each of the four athletes was voted into the leadership role by their peers.
Singley competed in seven different individual events last season, with her main races being the 500-yard freestyle, 1,000-yard freestyle and 400-yard individual medley. The senior hit the NCAA "B" qualifying standard in the 400-yard individual medley at the Big Ten Championships with a time of 4:18.65. Singley is embracing the role as one of the two captains on the women's team.
"I am thrilled to have been selected to lead this team into the 2013-2014 season," said Singley. "It is an honor to be able to call myself a captain of such a hardworking, dedicated, and fun group of athletes. The four captains have a unique opportunity this year as leaders under a brand new coaching staff, and we couldn't be more excited for the future of this team. It is going to be a great season for Penn State swimming and diving."
Weedman will be joining Singley in the leadership role for the women's squad. Weedman, also a senior, is a versatile swimmer who competed in eight individual events last season. The Poway, Calif. native competed in the 200-yard butterfly, 200-yard individual medley and 400-yard individual medley at the NCAA Championships in 2013. Weedman recorded the third fastest time in Penn State history in the 200-yard individual medley at the 2013 Big Ten Championships. Weedman is looking forward to the challenge of the upcoming season.
"When it comes to leading a team that has changed significantly with new coaches joining our coaching staff, I am more than honored to lead a very talented and motivated group of swimmers and divers," stated Weedman. "This is a very exciting time for our program and I cannot wait to see what our new team mindset will bring us once the end of the season rolls around."
Cipolla is one of the seniors in the 11-man senior class this season. The South River, N.J. native posted Penn State's best mark of the year in the 400-yard individual medley and the 200-yard breaststroke during the 2012-13 campaign. The senior won three races in the 200-yard breaststroke throughout the season. Cipolla is grateful for the opportunity he has been given.
"I am extremely honored to have the opportunity to help lead this team along with my fellow captains this season," said Cipolla. "I am very excited to have coach Murphy stepping in this season. I look forward to working with coach Murphy this year to have a great season and to shape a great future for the men's and women's swimming and diving programs."
Wilson is the fourth captain for the Nittany Lions. During his junior season, Wilson reached NCAA "B" qualifying time for the 100-yard breaststroke event with a time of 55.23 at the Georgia Invite. The Nottingham, Pa. native won four individual events last season, three in the 100-yard breaststroke and one in the 100-yard butterfly.