Canham visit takes Hoosiers back in time By Brian Galvin Daily Sports Writer Just like Marty McFly once did, Indiana's men's swimming and diving team is about to take a trip back in time. On Saturday at Canham Natatorium, the Hoosiers will revisit their glory days, days that saw them win 20 consecutive Big Ten titles, when they swim against Michigan, the new dynasty on the block. From 1961 to 1980, Indiana ruled the Big Ten and often the nation. Immediately after the Hoosiers' run, however, Michigan returned to the top of the conference, dominating the last two decades to the tune of 10 straight conference titles from 1986-95 and an NCAA title in 1995. But over that time, Indiana has been a thorn in the Wolverines' sides. Michigan has only lost three Big Ten dual meets over the last 17 years, and two of those have been at the hands of the Hoosiers. Last year, Indiana took advantage of a flu outbreak in Ann Arbor to beat the Wolverines, who lead the all-time series (30-29-1). "They kicked us while we were down," Michigan coach Jon Urbanchek said. This year, however, Michigan has seen the dreaded seasonal flu come and go with minimal impact, and the Wolverines have a clean bill of health going into the final month of the season. "We killed the flu bug," Urbanchek said of the virus that had kept several Wolverines out of practice last week. Even at full strength, Michigan still has to contend with the red-hot Indiana divers, who haven't lost an event all year. "They may have the best divers in the conference," Urbanchek said of Indiana's Ryan Kosanic and Tom Davidson. The Hoosiers, however, haven't faced the likes of Michigan's Josh Trexler, who this week was named Big Ten diver of the week for the fourth straight time. "It is very tough to win both boards at Michigan," Indiana diving coach Jeff Huber said. Back in the pool, the school that produced legendary Olympian Mark Spitz figures to have its hands full with the mighty Wolverines. Michigan is currently ranked eighth in the nation, and doesn't seem to be intimidated by the history that Indiana brings with it. Even while admitting that former Hoosier coach James Counsilman's style has been imitated by many current programs, Urbanchek pointed out that Michigan has succeeded in its own way. "We're Michigan," he said. "We don't copy anyone." The Wolverines carry along a history of their own, as even Indiana will have to be impressed by the number of banners filling Canham Natatorium. Michigan has won 11 NCAA titles, tied for the the most ever, and leads the conference in Big Ten titles. And, as Urbanchek is quick to bring up, the Wolverines are constantly looking to improve on those numbers. "Indiana is trying to get back to the top," Urbanchek said. "We'll have to keep repressing them." This weekend's meet will have two sessions and cover every NCAA event. The first session begins at 10 am, with the nightcap following at 5 pm. Originally on page 11A in the 1-27-2000 issue of the Daily.