Gators win NCAA titles at nationals
By RYAN LEVICK | Dec. 7, 2008Would you be nervous?
Would you be nervous?
With the likes of former Gator Ryan Lochte hitting the pool this weekend for the USA Swimming Short Course National Championship, the Gators hoped to make statements themselves as they prepare for the approaching spring season.
As the fall season nears its end, the UF swim teams leave satisfied about the progress they've made.
As this season has been progressing, the UF swim teams have always been looking to the spring season, but they also focused on the competition that stood in their way this fall.
Coach Gregg Troy didn't want to see his team rest on their laurels.
Coming off a split decision against Southeastern Conference rival Georgia, the UF swim teams remain focused toward their ultimate goal, the NCAA finals, at the end of the season.
With a roar of laughter, the swim programs of two schools that have rivalries in more than just swim congratulated each other on a meet well-swum.
With a roar of laughter, the swim programs of two schools that have rivalries in more than just swim congratulated each other on a meet well-swum.
Through the wins and losses, the Gators have remained collected going into the depths of the Southeastern Conference season. When asked whether he would be upset if the Gators lost every meet of the season but still swam their best and improved, senior Rex Tullius answered quickly and without hesitation.
The Gator women's swim team showed promise a week ago in Michigan against the Wolverines and the Stanford Cardinal.
The UF men's swim team opened up its Southeastern Conference season against LSU on Wednesday, downing the Tigers 166-131 and improving its all-time record against LSU to 19-0.
Only a few days after the UF men's and women's swimming teams began their journey to find themselves, they begin their journey to find where they stack up in the Southeastern Conference.
Sometimes experience isn't everything when it comes to winning.
It all has to begin somewhere.
Joe Blazina, 22, a UF landscape architecture major, strokes through the water inside the Florida Pool on Friday afternoon. Hutchinson swims twice weekly as a part of his workout routine.
Forty-one-year-old Dara Torres was the anchor on the U.S. team that won the 400-freestyle relay Saturday night, leading them to a silver medal. The former Gator might have been able to catch the Netherlands team if there were just 50 to 100 more meters in the race, but the Dutch were too far ahead when she started her leg.
Senior Maureen Farrell jumps into the pool and pulls herself up on to the blocks. She grasps the handles closely as if she's holding on to the last remnants of her slowly evaporating career.
The swimming world should be jealous of Gregg Troy.
Leah Martindale-Stancil is coming back home.
Call her the ageless wonder.