'M' freestyles past Buckeyes, Tigers

In a weekend that Buckeyes everywhere might like to forget, Michigan's women's swimming and diving team drowned Ohio State and Clemson in a three-team dual meet Friday evening.

Although the win was sweet for the eighth-ranked Wolverines, the real victory was in the NCAA-qualifying times posted by three swimmers and zone-qualifying scores by two divers.

Senior Shannon Shakespeare turned in provisional qualifying cuts, winning the 200- and 500-yard freestyles, as did senior Jennifer Crisman in the 50 freestyle and sophomore Lindsay Carlberg in the 200 backstroke. Freshman Traci Valasco also got an individual win in the 200-yard breaststroke.

In the backstroke and breaststroke, Michigan captured second place as well, with Erin Abbey and Emily Cocks closely following their teammates.

Michigan coach Jim Richardson commended his team on its training habits, acknowledging the fact that their hard work leaves them drained when it comes time to compete.

"They're tired, they're sore, but they have a lot of pride," Richardson said. "They work hard all week and find a way to compete every weekend."

Michigan's divers put together their strongest meet of the season, with senior Hannah Shin claiming the Wolverines' first diving victory of the year in the one-meter competition. Shin and junior Amanda Crews - who finished second - both qualified for the NCAA zone championships.

"It's great to see them perform so well," Richardson said. "They're both really deserving."

While Richardson searches for swimmers to fill holes in the butterfly and individual medley, he relies on speed and depth in the freestyle to keep the Wolverines ranked among the nation's elite. In Michigan's four dual meets, the team has won 14 of 20 individual freestyle events, turning in five one-two finishes.

In those events, Michigan swimmers have achieved NCAA-qualifying marks six times. Michigan's 400-yard freestyle relay is undefeated, having beaten relays from three top 20 schools.

In all, six different Wolverines have won individual freestyle races, giving Richardson flexibility to use his all-Americans in other events. When it comes down to the Big Ten championships, however, Michigan plans to freestyle its way to a conference title.

"We potentially won't have an entry in those two events," Richardson said of the 200 butterfly and 400 IM. With several provisional cuts in hand, the Wolverines will attempt to secure more automatic NCAA bids at the Texas Invitational in two weeks. In addition to the Longhorns, the field may include Arizona, Wisconsin, and Northwestern.

The competition "will be fast," Richardson said. "We'll get a chance to see a lot of the teams that we'll face at the NCAAs."

11-22-99