By
Lindsey Manroel
Arizona Daily Wildcat
Arizona faces NAU in second home meet of season
After an winter break training session that cut their vacation short, the members of the Arizona women's swimming team will open their spring season today when they take on Northern Arizona University.
University of Arizona will play host to the Jacks this afternoon. NAU is 7-4 this season.
After completing the most intense workout of the season- four and a half hours each day of yardage and quality training - members of the second-ranked Arizona squad feel as though they took full advantage of the vacation days.
"We tried to take advantage of not having any classes," UA head coach Frank Busch said. "The day for the swimmers consisted of eating, swimming, resting, and eating - that's all they have energy to do.
"It's that time of the year when you try to really solidify your base training and try to make your athletes tough mentally."
According to breaststroker Jessamyn Miller, the training was a success.
"We've been working so hard so we're prepared to get up and race," Miller said. "It was the toughest training all year because we just concentrated on swimming. We were pretty happy when the last day came."
Olympic bronze medalist Amanda Beard took her place among her Arizona teammates in the winter break waters. The UA sophomore was absent for the entire fall season after competing in the Olympics, but will be present for the spring.
Busch said he is excited about her return.
"It's nice to have your full team and to compete with a full squad," Busch said. "[Beard] is a great competitor who is experienced and brings a lot to our team."
Arizona, favored in the weekend meet, will be challenged by the up-and-coming swimming of NAU's Chelsea Urban. After just one semester, the Jacks freshman could be the most talented of the young NAU swimmers.
In 13 starts, Urban has posted 11 individual wins and capped off her first semester by breaking an NAU record in the 200 meter backstroke against New Mexico State.
While Urban may give Arizona some tough competition, Wildcat swimmers said they are eager to get back in the water after the Winter break.
A key meet against Stanford and California looms in the Wildcats' near future - UA will play host to both the Cardinal and Golden Bears next weekend at Hillenbrand Aquatic Center.
"We're looking a little further into the season," Miller said. "It (NAU) is a chance for us to get in some races, but we're looking ahead towards Cal and Stanford."
The Arizona squad will take the pool at UA's Hillenbrand Aquatic Center and defend its No. 2 ranking beginning at 2 p.m.
