As the Florida women’s swimming and diving team puts its first victory of the season from last Saturday behind, it looks ahead to the three-day Pinch A Penny Invitational this weekend along with the men’s team.
The men’s team makes its season debut with a roster loaded with depth that includes a total of 12 All-Americans.
The Gators’ roster also features a total of 10 seniors, six of which are All-Americans.
"I think it helps because there’s competition everyday at practice," coach Martyn Wilby said.
"They take that level of swimming to a new height everyday at practice."
At the Pinch A Penny Invitational, only three swimmers from each school are able to swim in the finals regardless of placing in the preliminary heats.
Wilby said there are probably five or six swimmers on the team that are capable of being in the final three.
"We see that everyday in practice so it takes the whole intensity in practice and focus level in practice to a new level," Wilby said.
In particular, 2014 Southeastern Conference Freshman Swimmer of the Year Mitch D’Arrigo returns to the Gators after competing in two events at the 2014 European Championships.
The Italy native earned a silver medal in the 400-meter freestyle and was the 2014 Italian Spring National Champion in the 200-meter freestyle.
"Well, he had an outstanding summer," Wilby said. "I think that was a continuation of his freshman year. ... It’s just a gradual progression and he now has confidence in what he is doing. He understands the college system now and I just see him getting better and better."
What’s also included on this deep roster are 10 freshmen and seven redshirt freshmen who will be relied upon to contribute to the team’s success this season.
One freshman Wilby praised was Caeleb Dressel, the No. 3 recruit in the state of Florida and No. 20 in the class of 2014 by CollegeSwimming.com.
Dressel, out of Jacksonville Bolles School, set the national high school record for the 50-yard freestyle with a time of 19.29 seconds, which is faster than any swimmer returning to UF this season posted last year.
"Caeleb is the ultimate swimmer," said Wilby. "He has come in and is learning. He’s a sponge for information and so I’m looking forward to seeing him race this weekend and he’s just taking everything in and trying to improve."
Follow Aaron Friedland on Twitter @AAfriedland
