Southern jaunt no vacation for 'M' swimming

By Kristen Fidh

Daily Sports Writer

One would think a trip to Georgia and Florida for the weekend would be exciting, or, at least, much anticipated.

But if the sole purpose for the trip is to work, a ho-hum attitude is understandable.

This weekend, the 12th-ranked Michigan men's swimming and diving team will take a break from its rigorous training schedule to head to Georgia tomorrow and Florida on Saturday.

Instead of quickly checking in and dropping off their belongings to rush out and enjoy the beach, the team will climb off the plane, grab their bags and hit the pool.

But at least it's a change of scenery.

For a training sport like swimming, the whole season leads in gradually to the final outcome - the conference championships and the NCAA competition.

"Everything is a build-up," Michigan coach Jon Urbanchek said. "The first four months are kind of boring because it's all preparation with not a whole lot of excitement, and sheer hard work, day in and day out. A lot of yardage, a lot of miles."

Swimming 70-80 kilometers per week can get a little monotonous.

As a change of pace, Michigan is able to compete against nonconference teams, like it will this weekend, for a little variety.

"The training and training and training for some guys becomes boring, so it's nice to have a meet with a little travel," Urbanchek said.

The Wolverines face No. 14 Georgia at the Gabrielsen Natatorium in Athens tomorrow. After defeating Michigan last season, the Bulldogs look for a repeat, this time on their home turf. Saturday, the team will travel a bit farther south to compete against No. 7 Florida in Gainesville.

The teams are similar. Talented swimmers fill the rosters and the training never ends.

"You don't get a whole lot out of these dual meets other than to have the opportunity to train hard and compete while you're tired," Urbanchek said. "Nobody shaves down. Nobody wears the body suits. It just kind of a one-on-one basis."

Michigan had its first competitive test last weekend, and passed with flying colors. Winning 11 of 13 events against Eastern Michigan, Oakland and Michigan State, the Wolverines sport high confidence going into this weekend on the road.

"This time we will be challenged, more so than against EMU, Oakland and Michigan State," Urbanchek said. "We will have to put up an honest effort at every event, so it's going to be exciting to see how hard everybody works. I am looking forward to seeing the competition."