Women's swimming on the shallow end of the Big Ten

Eleven years, 11 Big Ten titles. Of all the possible adjectives to describe the Michigan women's swimming and diving team's run of consecutive championships since 1987, "dominant" may be an understatement.

But as streaks are meant to be broken, coach Jim Richardson is not anticipating another title when the Wolverines travel to Minnesota next weekend for the Big Ten Championships.

"We never go into a season saying we want to be second," Richardson said. "We want to win, but in the past we had the firepower."

The Wolverines have been decimated by injuries and sickness this season, cutting significantly into the team's depth - always a crucial aspect of a swimming team's success.

"We have 16 swimmers and (other teams) have 23 swimmers," Richardson said. "We're already at a disadvantage.

With a short roster, defending Michigan's 11 straight Big Ten titles will be harder than ever for Amanda Crews and her

"If we swim well, we'll have 25 scoring events. In years past we've had 40 scoring events so our point total is already reduced roughly by a third."

While the Wolverines are still a favorite in spite of their depleted roster, Richardson views Minnesota as the heir apparent to the title.

"This is Minnesota's meet to win or lose," Richardson said. "They have a full team, and everyone is swimming well for them right now. Northwestern also looks very strong - they could be second."

In the meantime, the Wolverines decided not to participate in this weekend's Michigan Open, opting for the added recovery time.

Senior Jennie Eberwein and freshman Kerrianne Kalbko have been especially plagued with ailments this season - Eberwein with Epstein-Barr, and Kalbko with the flu and elbow tendinitis.

Kalbko said both she and Eberwein have benefited from the time off.

"We're doing a lot better," Kalbko said. "We've been able to finish our workouts without many problems."

In addition to being a highly competitive meet, the Big Ten championships affords swimmers one final opportunity to make cut times for the national meet. Though only Shannon Shakespeare and Jenny Crisman are guaranteed national berths, many Michigan swimmers are on the bubble for a spot at nationals.

"I hope to make it, I should make consideration," Kalbko said. "Lindsay Carlberg has an excellent shot at it and Missy Sugar, Jennie Arndt and Emily Cocks all have good chances."

Despite the outcome, the team has fought hard to counter every setback it has faced this season - a success irregardless of a possible break in the chain of Big Ten titles.

"Most importantly, whatever hand we've been dealt, we've sat down and talked about it," Richardson said. "We are constantly evaluating our situation."

teammates.

DAVID ROCHKIND/Daily

02-12-99