Blue trains for foes in isolated tropics

While most students are hiking through the snow and cold to return to class today, the Michigan men's swimming team is relaxing in the warm sun on the beaches of Hawai'i.

The Wolverines have spent the past two weeks at Hawai'i Prep Academy on Mt. Mauna Kea training and preparing for two meets this weekend against No. 4 USC and No. 7 California.

The Wolverines traveled to Hawai'i over holiday break seeking a remote location, free from distractions, where they could prepare for Big Ten season. The Michigan swimmers have spent the past two weeks on the island in private, away from civilization.

"The swimmers are looking forward to getting back to school," Urbanchek said. "They haven't seen any women for two weeks and are really anxious to get back."

FILE PHOTO The Michigan men's and women's swimming teams trained in the South Pacific for upcoming meets while the lady divers chilled out in Indianapolis.

The Wolverines had no formal competitions in Hawai'i, but they did have a practice meet with Hawai'i Prep Academy.

In the meet, freshman Jon Arndt was lost for the season when he separated his shoulder reaching for the wall. But the rest of the team managed to stay healthy, impressing Urbanchek with its hard work. As a group, the six individual medley swimmers, led by senior co-captain Andy Potts, were most impressive.

"The IM group stood out the most among the swimmers," Urbanchek said. "They were the strongest and most consistent throughout the two weeks of training."

The trip to Hawai'i was not all work and no play for the Wolverines, however. Seven sets of parents traveled with the team to try a provide more of a holiday atmosphere on the trip.

The players and parents decorated a maize and blue Christmas tree and took many day trips throughout the two weeks, including a visit to an active volcano and eating roast pig at an authentic Hawai'ian luau.

The fun ends tonight for the Wolverines as they fly to Los Angeles to face their toughest competition of the season. On Friday, they face California and Saturday they swim against Southern California, both top-10 ranked opponents.

"They both are very worthwhile competition," Urbanchek said. "It should be exciting to watch this weekend because neither team has an edge."

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