Behind the slick edges of the pool today, it’ll be a family affair.
While the Gators are set to take on defending Atlantic Coast Conference champion Virginia, UF junior swimmer Teresa Crippen will be stroking in the same waters as sister and UVA senior team captain, Claire.
“Teresa and Claire are about as close as sisters as I have ever seen,” UF swimming and diving associate head coach Martyn Wilby said. “They swim the same events. They are competitive with it, but they have a lot of fun with it.”
But, don’t get it twisted. There won’t be any sisterly squabble between the Crippens. Teresa Crippen makes it clear that there’s no sibling rivalry between the two, as everyone assumes.
“It adds levels of comfort behind the block,” Crippen said. “It stinks to swim against her so early (in the season). Now I can’t look forward to it later on.”
However, Crippen can look to her position on the U.S. National Team in the company of fellow Gators senior Conor Dwyer, freshman Elizabeth Beisel and alumnus Ryan Lochte. Those chosen for the U.S. National Team represent the United States’ hopefuls for the 2012 Olympics. Two Virginia swimmers were named to the team as well as other Crippen sibling and Virginia alumna, Fran.
In last year’s season opener against host team Virginia, the Gators emerged victorious in with a final point tally of 166.5 to 131.5. In the meet’s 200-yard individual medley, Teresa edged out Claire, who came in at fourth place.
This season, the Gators will play host to the Cavaliers in the O’Connell Center Natatorium. While the Gators debuted with the All Florida Invitational on Oct.1, the meet against Virginia will be the team’s first dual meet of the season as well as Virginia’s season opener.
“They approach training similar to us,” Wilby said. “I think where we’re strong, they’re strong. Where we’re weak, they’re weak. It’s very much going back to that heads-up in racing.”
Senior swimmer Logan Storie said one of the biggest challenges the Gators face will be their ability to race well with the start of the team’s first training cycle last week.
The Gators are set to take on the Cavaliers at 1 p.m.
