2008 Woodie Awards
Coach: senior swimmers see final competition as bittersweet
Luke Nichols
Issue date: 2/1/08 Section: Sports
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Nebraska Coach Pablo Morales said Goodman and Siemert have shown perseverance and dedication in making it through all four years.
"Even though their class has lacked the numbers," Morales said, "those two have made up for it with heart and determination."
Morales said there are many things he'll miss about the departing seniors and added that there will be certain aspects about each that will be hard to replace.
Morales said Siemert's personality is something he'll miss. He said she is more of the quiet type who wears her emotions on her sleeve.
"We're going to miss that passion," Morales said. "I'm going to miss watching her step up on those blocks because she's a great sprinter and great at coming through in the clutch."
He also said that despite being shy, Siemert has a subtle humorous side that doesn't come out often enough.
Morales said what he'll miss about Goodman is her bubbly disposition.
"She brings such a neat, light spirit to the team," Morales said. "She's funny even though sometimes she doesn't intend to be funny."
Siemert has won 10 races in her career, including three this year. When she qualified for the Big 12 Conference Championships finals her freshman year, she was the first Husker to do so since 2001. Since then, she has had at least one top 15 finish in the conference meet every year.
In Goodman's four-year career, she has held one of the team's top-three fastest times in the 100- and 200-yard breaststroke each season. She has also collected top-15 finishes in the conference meet six times in the last three years.
Goodman and Siemert said what they'll miss most about NU are their coaches and teammates. But both are looking at Saturday's dual against Iowa State as just a normal competition.
"It's just another meet," Goodman said. "It's kind of sad because it's our last competition, but it's also bittersweet."
Siemert is approaching the meet in a similar manner, but said there will be some extra significance since it will be her last.
"I'm really excited because it will be a high-energy meet, and we're all looking forward to it," Siemert said.
So what's next for these two?
Goodman is trying to finish up with nursing school and hopes to graduate next December. After that, she's not sure.
Siemert is a textile merchandising major and isn't sure where her path is going to take here either, but she hopes to work for somebody in the swimming industry. Perhaps Speedo.
The Huskers are hoping to send their seniors out in triumphant fashion. They have competed against the Cyclones in two invitationals already this year, and finished ahead of them both times.
Goodman and Siemert have compiled a 28-10 career dual record and are a perfect 6-0 at home. Morales said with the hard work the two seniors have put forth, it'd only befitting to send them out as winners.
"They've provided great leadership from a standpoint of being great examples and big-time performers," Morales said. "They've meant a tremendous amount to our program."
lukenichols@dailynebraskan.com
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