The last time the No. 2 Arizona women’s and No. 5 men’s swimming teams went to Austin, Texas, they came back with two wins, 27 NCAA automatic-qualifying times and eight new school records while dominating the Texas Invitational Nov. 30-Dec. 2.
The Wildcats bring along the diving teams this time, as they meet the No. 1 Texas men and No. 12 women tonight at 6 p.m.
Arizona competes against the No. 8 Southern Methodist women and unranked men tomorrow at 11 a.m.
“”We’re just looking to throw down some fast times this weekend and have fun and just keep our goals for the end of the season,”” said sophomore Lindsey Kelly.
Fast times may not be as hard to come by this weekend away from the abnormally cold weather Tucson is experiencing.
The UA men (4-2, 1-2 Pacific 10 Conference) and women (5-2, 3-2) will swim in the Lee and Joe Jamail Texas Swimming Center, an indoor facility.
“”It’s a great pool. It’s a very, very fast pool,”” said junior Albert Subirats, who set two school records at the Texas Invite.
UA head coach Frank Busch said he knows the team is looking forward to swimming indoors.
“”You’re not only battling the other team, but you’re battling trying to stay warm,”” he said. “”That’s just something that we won’t have to worry about this weekend, so that in itself will make a big difference in how the kids perform, I’m sure.””
Last weekend against the No. 1 Stanford women, the No. 2 men and the No. 4 California women, the teams fought against the wind and 40-degree weather to keep warm, but were swept by both teams.
“”I’ll be surprised if we’re not another leg better than we were this past weekend,”” Busch said.
The Longhorn men enter hot, having defeated No. 3 Auburn Jan. 11. The Tigers had not lost in 44 consecutive dual meets.
The Arizona men also have history working against them. They are 1-7 against Texas all-time.
Despite bitter home conditions of late and fatigue left from rigorous training over winter break, Kelly said she feels the teams are getting closer to their ultimate goal of competing at the NCAA Championships in March.
“”I definitely think that toward the end of the season, we’ll all start coming together and realizing that there’s so little time left,”” she said.
Despite their recent losses, both teams will be prepared to get back on the blocks tonight, Busch said.
“”I think their spirits will be high, and I know we’ll be competitive, so whether or not that’s good enough to win either one of these meets right now, I’m not that concerned about that,”” he said. “”I’m just looking forward to the opportunity to race in a good pool, race against a good team.””
