Oct. 17, 2007

Columbia, Mo. - Welcome to "Q&A with the Captains," a weekly segment that will feature a question-and-answer style interview with one of Mizzou Women's Swimming and Diving's team captains. The 2007-08 captains are junior Lori Halvorson and seniors Arica Jacinto and Sarah Menefee.

As captain what do you see as your role on the team this year?

I see myself as a role model because I need to lead the team and set a good example. I try to motivate them and send them in the right direction, especially the younger ones on the team because they are still figuring out what Mizzou Swimming and Diving is all about. Overall I'm just trying to be a leader.

Can you talk about a time when you have put this role into action?

Being on the team is a big part of my life. I really just try to talk to people and always be there for people. I try to set a good example in the classroom too.

Why do you feel you were tabbed as a captain this year?

I get along with everyone on the team and can talk to them one-on-one. I try to set a good example and don't do anything to set the team back. I try to motivate the girls and be like a sister to them.

How do you feel about taking on the captain's role as a junior?

I think it's a huge honor. I expect most captains to be seniors, but I am glad to have the chance to grow with the team this year and then even more so next year. I'll have two years to lead them and steer them in the right direction. It's a great opportunity.

How have the newcomers come along and what has been your role in helping guide them?

The newcomers are coming along great. They are swimming very well and following in the footsteps of everyone on the team. They are giving 100% at practice and getting behind their schoolwork. We have all grown to love them and have tried to bring them into the family. It has worked out great.

What were your thoughts heading into last Friday's dual with 2006-07 Big Ten Conference champion Indiana?

I wasn't scared. I was more excited. My hopes were set high and not once did I think we were going to lose. I told people that. Not once did it cross my mind that we would lose. With all the freshmen and upperclassmen being so excited, no matter what Indiana brought they weren't going to bring anything like what we had and were ready for.

How did it feel to actually get the win?

It really happened in the middle of the meet. We were just sitting there and looking at each other amazed. This is what we had worked for. We were expecting to keep up with them and edge past them, but we beat them by more than we possibly thought. We were ecstatic.

Were you at all surprised with the margin of victory?

Like I said, we wanted to put up a good fight and we definitely did that. It is something that will motivate us for the rest of the season.

What was the mood in the locker room after the meet?

We were talking like crazy. The great thing is that we were not just talking about Indiana, but we were talking about the rest of the season and how the win would set the tone for what's to come. We were also wondering what we might be ranked. The win just really motivated the team.

Was it tough to jump right back in the pool for the Show Me Showdown the next day?

Yeah, just because we all raced hard on Friday so our bodies were sore and tired. The meet is supposed to be more fun though with different relays and some things we don't normally swim. It wasn't as intense and was a lot of fun.

How did it feel to get the win in the event?

It felt just as good as any win. The win against Indiana was a great feeling, but Saturday's win felt like any other win too.

What are your thoughts heading into the Big 12 Relays Friday?

I think it will be a lot of fun. It will be a chance to bring some of the girls together and have them race together. It won't be individual racing so it will bring us together to battle and compete against some good teams.

How does the team's success this past weekend play into your attitude heading into Saturday's dual with Texas A&M?

We beat Indiana Friday and they aren't that far behind A&M. We have really high hopes and expectations and hopefully we'll put up a good fight. Texas A&M is a great team, but so are we and we should give them a good fight.

Who should we look for to do some great things this weekend?

We have some great freshman divers, Jenny [Franzone] and Abby [Zepeda]. We also have some great freshman swimmers in Lauren Lavigna, Francie Szostak and Melissa Jamerson. As far as upperclassmen, Taye Patterson was a huge asset to the team on Friday as well as Saturday. Everyone contributes in some way.

What do you predict the Mizzou-Texas Tech football score will be this weekend?

I think it will be a little bit like Nebraska. I'll say 41-14, in favor of Mizzou of course.