Record-breaking freshman

Tanya Tkachenko is much like any other Dartmouth coed whose interests include studying, eating, and records. But Tkachenko's records aren't the musical type — she is an athlete who is more comfortable in the water than out.

The freshman from the Bronx personally has rewritten the record book of the Dartmouth women's swim team in just three short months. The majority of swimmers enjoy their success in one of the four strokes. But not Tkachenko. Her Dartmouth records include the 400 yard individual medley, the 1,000 yard freestyle, 200 yard fly and the 200 yard IM. She also holds Karl B. Michael Pool records in the latter three events.

If that's not enough, Tkachenko qualified for the Eastern Women's Swim League (EWSL) Championship at Brown in late February in six different events.

"I knew Tanya would be an asset to the team," said Coach Sue Lutkus,

The only child of recent immigrants from Russia, Tkachenko is a quiet, unassuming student who is a leader by example. She has avoided the usual freshman traumas associated with college despite missing her parents, with whom she has a particularly deep bond. Along with studying and training, she holds, three jobs, including one as a Russian tutor.

Lutkus worries about her protege. "Tanya is incredibly composed and conscientious," explains Lutkus. "But I wish she would ask for a day off occasionally!"

The 5'5" freshman from Columbus High School trained under the direction of the Columbia University coaching staff and then made the difficult decision to leave her home and her parents for Dartmouth.

Regarding technique, Lutkus has nothing but praise for Tkachenko. "Her strokes are perfect and precise," said the eleventh year coach. "And she's a competitor. In must-win relays, I'll use her as the anchor. But Tanya's not just a swimmer she's an incredible person."

Nine women in addition to Tkachenko qualified for the EWSL Championship including three divers, Jan Watkins, Catharine Payson, and Sue Axlerod; plus swimmers Faith Spurrier, Terry Ann Kremer, Alicia Papke, Debbie Smith, Mary Beth Masterson, and Michele Cloutier. Watkins also advanced to one of five NCAA Zone Qualifying Diving Meets.

"But I didn't, expect the versatility she has shown. We've never had a freshman qualify for so many events at Easterns. She is the most versatile swimmer we've ever had."