Iona College men’s and women’s swimming and diving teams will begin a new season this October and there are big expectations for both teams.

Head Swimming Coach Nick Cavataro is looking forward to this upcoming year but knows that each individual swimmer will have to step up. 

“If we can develop individual improvement among our men and women, we can improve tremendously,” said Cavataro. “We lost a lot of scorers from last year’s championship meet, so we are counting on returning scorers to increase their performance and newcomers to pool.”

Junior diver Briana Gongloff also has a positive outlook for the divers in the 2011-2012 season.

“I think we will make finals this year because we were close last year and I know we will improve,” said Gongloff. 

There is a new diver on board, freshman James Cooney, who has a lot of support from his teammates. Sophomore Melanie Dilascio sees potential for his contribution to the men’s team.

“Last year there were no men divers to score any points, so James should be an essential asset to the team,” said Dilascio.

The Gaels’ first swim meet will be at the Boston College Invitational on Oct. 21. Cavataro and Harrell expect the swimmers and divers to do well and will use the outcome of the invitational to make adjustments if necessary.

“This is our first time going to this meet,” said Cavataro. “The format is unusual, but we are hoping to score