'M' swimming faces a Lion of a dual meet

Canham Natatorium will once again be filled with the splash of Big Ten conference competition. The Michigan women's swimming and diving team will take to the water against perennial foe Penn State tomorrow at 3 p.m.

Since 1994, the Wolverines have won every dual meet against the Lions and look to continue the streak tomorrow.

This season, the 11-year defending Big Ten champions are already on a roll. The Wolverines have won all four of their meets, including winning every event in their dual meet against Michigan State.

At the Northwestern Relays on Oct. 26, Michigan out-distanced all the other teams in every event to win with a total of 220 points.

"The team in general has really been working together and pushing each other to get it done," Michigan captain Ellen Fraumann said. "People have been stepping up, and so far we've been getting the job done."

The Wolverines have been riding the waves of Kasey Harris and former Olympian Shannon Shakespeare.

Though only a sophomore, Shakespeare holds the Big Ten and Michigan records for the 100 free, 200 free, 200 IM, 400 free relay and 800 free relay. She was also last year's co-Big Ten Swimmer of the Year.

Although she had several health problems earlier in the season, she has recovered enough to swim competitively in several events.

"I think this season has been going pretty well," Shakespeare said. "I've kind of been mixing it around a lot and not swimming as much free as I normally do. The 200 IM has probably been my strongest event so far."

This season will be one of the most important for Shakespeare. She will swim for Canada at the World championships in January. For now, though, she is concentrating on the Penn State meet.

"I think it's going to be a lot of fun," Shakespeare said. "Last year, they gave us a good race, and this one should be (a good race), too. The Big Ten is always competitive."

Last year's competition in State College resulted in a Michigan victory, 178-118. In this year's four competitions, the Wolverines have shined in various events.

"We're very strong in the middle distance sprints and the backstroke" Michigan coach Jim Richardson said.

One-third of the way into the season, Michigan has also seen strong performances from its freshmen.

"We have a really good freshman class," said Fraumann. "But right now, it's time for the whole team to step up and take charge. We're swimming really well. This season we're looking to repeat as Big Ten champs and have a full squad for the NCAAs. These meets are really good training."

This year the Wolverines are racing more Big Ten teams than in years past.

"We've always had very good competition," Richardson said. "This year will be tough, but we've got some very good swimmers."

11-20-97