University of Minnesota Athletics
Gophers Host Jean Freeman Invite
12/2/2014 12:00:00 AM | Women's Swimming & Diving
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MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. - The University of Minnesota swimming and diving team will host the Jean Freeman Invite this weekend at the Aquatic Center. Competition is set to begin on Friday, Dec. 5, and will continue into Saturday, Dec. 6. This invite marks the final competition for the Golden Gophers in 2014. Minnesota will kick-off 2015 with a dual meet at Hawaii.
HONORING A FORMER COACH
Jean Freeman is a former, legendary women's swimming and diving coach for the Golden Gophers and a member of the University of Minnesota Aquatic Hall of Fame. Freeman was the first Division I coach at Minnesota and held onto the position for 31 years before retiring as the women's head coach in 2004.
A graduate of the University of Minnesota herself, Freeman was also a member of the swimming and diving team from 1968-72. She served as a Golden Gopher assistant coach for one season before being named head coach in 1973. During her career, Freeman led Minnesota to back-to-back Big Ten Championships in 1999 and 2000 and was named Big Ten Coach of the Year four times. She also coached 58 swimmers to achieve All-American status 203 times and posted winning records in 20 consecutive seasons.
Jean Freeman passed away on October 14, 2010 after following an ongoing, but positively fought battle with cancer. The Gophers will honor her outstanding accomplishments at the University of Minnesota this weekend.
JEAN FREEMAN AQUATIC CENTER NAMING CELEBRATION
On Saturday, December 6, a Jean Freeman naming celebration will be held, hosted by the University of Minnesota College of Education & Human Development. The event is scheduled to start at 3 p.m. Public interested in attending should enter the Aquatic Center at the North Entrance.
IN THE RANKS
The most recent CSCAA (College Swimming Coaches Association of America) rankings have the men's team at the No. 19 spot, tied with Auburn. The men currently have a 3-2 record, with losses to No. 21 Wisconsin and No. 1 Florida. The women's swimming and diving team holds the No. 7 spot in the nation. The Gopher women have a 5-0 record on the season.
ORDER OF EVENTS
Friday, Dec. 5
200 free relay
500 free
200 IM
50 free
200 back
100 breast
200 fly
200 free
400 medley relay
800 free relay
Diving events include women's 3 meter, women's platform, men's 1 meter
Saturday, Dec. 6
200 medley relay
400 IM
100 free
100 back
200 breast
100 fly
1650 free
400 free relay
Diving events include women's 1 meter, men's 3 meter, men's platform
Prelims 11:00 a.m. CT | Finals 6:00 p.m. CT
JOIN THE CONVERSATION
Are you following the Gophers on the road or from home? Make sure to follow @GopherSwimDive on Twitter and use the hashtag #United. You can also check for updates on Facebook and Instagram.
