Undermanned Blue upsets Ohio St. tankers

Wolverines top Buckeyes with 12 swimmers

It was an unexpected victory featuring an unexpected star.

Last Friday, a shorthanded Michigan women's swimming team went into Ohio State territory as the underdog in its final dual meet of the year against the Buckeyes.

And just as they have done all season, the Wolverines pulled out a victory, this time by a score of 136-98.

The Wolverines were at a disadvantage because they were competing with just 12 swimmers, while the rest of the team was resting for Big Ten Championships.

WARREN ZINN/Daily Kerri Hale may not have been in the water for the Wolverines, but the Michigan women's swimming team still managed to beat the Buckeyes, 136-98.

Although many of her teammates took the day off, senior Rachel Gustin gave a tremendous effort.

At this time last season it was doubtful whether Gustin would return to the pool as a member of the Michigan women's swimming team.

In October of 1996, Gustin had arthroscopic surgery on her shoulder and was granted a medical redshirt for her senior season.

"A lot of times after a shoulder injury, the swimmers never make it back to compete at this level," Michigan coach Jim Richardson said. "Rachel's done very, very well, and we're just really happy that she made it back."

But in Gustin's mind, she always knew she would return.

When the NCAA granted her another year of eligibility, she was determined to make use of it.

"I didn't have any doubt that I wanted to come back," Gustin said. "I'm just grateful that I had the opportunity to come back and swim again."

Coming off an injury, Gustin didn't expect to be swimming much. But she has far exceeded her own expectations as well as those of others.

Friday, she nearly set a pool record in the 200-yard breastroke with a time of 2:19.93. She also won the 200 individual medley (2:07.45) and swam a leg of the first place 400 IM relay.

Being in the winner's circle is not new to Gustin. She is an NCAA champion on a 400 medley relay, an eight-time Big Ten champion and a 10-time All-American.

But this season, Gustin has had to conquer a new kind of challenge.

"It was really hard to adjust to my new times," Gustin said. "It was really frustrating at first.

"I was swimming so much slower than I used to, and I had to accept that I could only swim those times. Once I got my head back into it, I realized I was just really excited to be back."

While initially disappointed with her reduced contributions to the team - early this season she was swimming only the 100 breast - Richardson said her presence was invaluable.

"Anytime you've got an injury and you return to make your mark, that elevates other people's performances," Richardson said.

In Friday's meet, several other Michigan swimmers turned in elevated performances.

Freshman Jen Crisman set a pool record in the 50 free, and Jenny Arndt and Kasey Harris won two events each.

Although Harris wasn't entirely pleased with her times, she admitted she enjoyed the competition.

"The meet was really exciting because we went down there that day facing a really big challenge," Harris said. "We just put together a great team effort."

02-10-98