Wildcats Celebrate ‘Champions Day’ at the White House
Team captains from the UA and other NCAA championship teams with President George W. Bush.
The UA men's and women's national championship teams in front of the U.S. Supreme Court.
UA athletes emerged from the White House balcony to the "Champions Day" program.
The UA men's and women's swimming and diving teams were honored at the White House for their national championships.
The University of Arizona men's and women's swimming and diving teams celebrated their national championships Wednesday with a visit to the White House to meet President George W. Bush.
During the "Champions Day" program on the White House South Lawn, President Bush acknowledged the team's NCAA Championship victories, which took place in consecutive weeks. He also referenced their title celebration, which included the team dousing coach Frank Busch with Gatorade.
After arriving at the White House, the team was treated to a tour of the East Wing and enjoyed a private meeting with the President, where they presented him with a team gift.
Their activities began with a tour of many of Washington's most famous memorials and lunch at the Washington Monument.
Following their visit to the White House, the teams toured the U.S. Capitol and took a team photo on the steps of the Supreme Court.
Their day continued with a celebratory dinner on Capitol Hill, where they were joined by UA alumni, representatives of Arizona's congressional delegation and a surprise guest - Wilma the Wildcat. Their day concluded with a practice at the University of Maryland-College Park.
Bart Steninger, captain of the UA men's swimming and diving team, didn't believe he would ever have the opportunity to meet the President. "I don't think it has sunken in yet," said Steninger. He credits the national championship to hard work and team unity. "We always kept our focus on being great teammates."
Lacey Nymeyer, captain of the women's team, said the visit to Washington was a wonderful way to cap off a banner year, which also included an Olympic silver medal. "What do you say when all of your dreams come true in one year," said Nymeyer.
On consecutive weekends, the UA men's and women's swim teams won their first national championships. Both team won their titles in convincing fashion, with the women's team besting second-place Auburn by 136 points and the men finishing 94 points ahead of second-place Texas.
The national championships were followed with more success for UA swimming and diving at the 2008 Summer Olympic Games in Beijing. A total of 18 swimmers, divers and coaches with ties to the UA participated in the Olympic Games.
UA Olympians who attended the White House event include:
- Jean Basson (South Africa)
- Joel Greenshields (Canada)
- Nicolas Nilo (Brazil)
- Lacey Nymeyer (USA)
- Albert Subirats (Venezuela)
- Jake Tapp (Canada)
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