Irish at their best this season
By COLLEEN McCARTHY
Sports Writer
Heading into the Big East Championships this weekend, the Notre Dame men's swimming team knows that anything is possible, especially after last year's second-place finish to perennial men's swimming powerhouse, the University of Pittsburgh.
The team won its last three meets of the season against Cleveland State, Oakland and a Feb. 5 win over St. Bonaventure. Ending the season with a 5-4 record, coach Tim Welsh is optimistic about what the meet will hold for his team.
"We think we have gotten better each week since Christmas," Welsh said. "We're at our best going into the Big East meet this weekend and our continued improvement each week will be a big help.
"These conference championships are a time to celebrate the season. We just want to go and celebrate all of our hard work. We're looking forward to swimming faster than we ever have."
Key events for the Irish will be in diving, breast stroke, distance freestyle events and the 400-yard individual medley, said Welsh.
"I think those will be strong events for us," said Welsh. "We're looking for a big improvement in diving as well."
The divers will be led by junior Herb Huesman, who helped fuel the team's win over Oakland. Huesman hopes to qualify for the NCAA Championships after surgery last fall forced him to be red-shirted and watch the Big East meet from the stands.
The team will be looking for repeat performances from junior Dan Szilier, defending Big East champion in the 200-yard breaststroke and sophomore Jonathan Pierce, defending Big East champion in the 1,650 freestyle.
After winning the 200-yard backstroke in Notre Dame's last duel meet, junior Brian Skorney could also be a factor this weekend. Also, junior Ryan Verlin who finished strong in the butterfly even t over St. Bonaventure needs to turn in a solid performance.
How well the team performs will depend on the consistency among the team's individuals.
"Our success at the meet will depend on balance," Welsh said. "We need to be consistent in every event to do well."
Team captain and senior Ray Fitzpatrick agreed.
"It's going to require a total team effort," Fitzpatrick said. "Everyone has to have a great meet. Having the most balance possible is what I think would bring us close to winning the title."
Fitzpatrick also cited the team's experience as a benefit going into the meet.
"In the last three dual meets, we were getting better every week," he said. "We have every reason to believe we'll do even better at the Big East. We have a very experienced team. All of our seniors are going to the meet and there are four or five juniors also. We have a lot of experience on our side, which should help us make a strong showing."
The Irish will face Pittsburgh, who will be looking to win their fourth straight Big East title. Among other teams in the conference, competition will be close since there is not one team that stands out among the rest as far as talent goes, said Welsh.
"Pittsburgh will definitely be the favorite to repeat as conference champion," said Welsh. "But the field will be very competitive. Miami, St. John's, those are all teams that will be in the hunt.
"After Pittsburgh, how everyone else finishes will just depend on who swims the best. It's just a matter of who swims the best."
Fitzpatrick is optimistic about competing against favorite Pittsburgh.
"We have strong guys in the sprints," said Fitz-patrick. "I'm not too worried about Pittsburgh. They're good competitors but I think I have what it takes to beat those guys."
All Sports Stories for Thursday, February 17, 2000
