Football rivals offer pool challenge for 'M'

By Jeb Singer

Daily Sports Writer

Ohio State's and Michigan State's swimming teams will likely compete for second place when they come to town for a three-way meet this weekend.

In this threesome, the Wolverines should be the leaders and best.

While it's important to finish the dual meet portion of their schedule strong, facing their archenemies from East Lansing and Columbus is in no way a climax for this season.

"Nothing special is going on in the pool this week," assistant coach Eric Namesnik said. "We are just running through the week as normal."

Michigan State swimmers (0-5 Big Ten, 1-6 overall) have had a tough time staying afloat this winter.

Despite their woeful record, the Spartans do in fact have one strong link in their feeble chain. John Munley, who qualified for the 200 freestyle Olympic trials, will challenge Wolverines Jason Mallory and Mike McWha.

Ohio State (2-1, 7-1) will present a more formidable lineup.

The Buckeyes are led by senior Jason Fox, who won three events last week in the butterfly and IM.

Bruce Malich and Mike Reilly have each swam strong this season for Ohio State, making the freestyle events a focal point for the Buckeyes. They also possess firepower in the freestyle events.

Diving is a strength for both visitors. Michigan State's Casey Guntviller is coming off a strong performance this past weekend against Indiana. Freshmen Heath Knowling and Chris Monson each won a diving event as they defeated Northwestern and Kenyon by large margins. Both Michigan State and Ohio State were annihilated by Indiana - Michigan's victim last weekend.

It should be a good way for the Wolverines to finish out the dual meet season at home.

"This will serve as our senior recognition meet," Namesnik said.