Urbanchek staple in Michigan men's swimming history

During the past decade one thing has remained remarkably consistent. The Michigan men's swimming and diving team wins its conference dual meets.

That was true until last Friday, when the Wolverines were upset by Indiana in Bloomington.

"We went in and just expected them to roll over and give us the meet," Michigan senior Andy Potts said. "They came out and out-swam us."

Out swimming Michigan is not an easy thing to do. For more than 15 years, the Wolverines have enjoyed the reputation as one of the nation's premier programs while putting together one of the longest winning streaks in Big Ten history.

Friday's loss broke a 41-meet winning streak that dated back to the 1989 season. It was only the third overall conference loss during Michigan coach Jon Urbanchek's reign that started in 1983.

The Wolverines will have a chance to redeem themselves in Bloomington during the Big Ten Championship meet. Michigan has taken 11 of the last 13 Big Ten titles, including 10 in a row from 1986 to 1995.

"By no means is anything going to be handed to us because of who we are," Potts said.

Urbanchek's swimmers credit him with the success they have enjoyed as of late. During his tenure, Urbanchek has a 76-3 conference record and a 127-19 record overall.

In fact, Urbanchek has endured only one other season of three or more losses - 1994.

"We go into every meet expecting to win whether they're Big Ten teams or not," senior all-American John Reich said.

With the record to support it, the Michigan swimmers and divers can afford to have confidence.

They have finished in the top 10 in the nation every year since 1987, except last year, when they finished 12th.

Michigan managed top-five finishes in seven of those seasons including an NCAA championship in 1995. That season, Michigan had 14 race champions in the Big Ten and seven in the NCAA. The only time Michigan produced more all-Big Ten's was in 1993 when the had 15.

Urbanchek's program has produced 25 Olympic swim-

02-02-99