Tuesday October 16, 2001

Fans got their first look at the Arizona swimming and diving team on Saturday at the second annual Wild West Water Show at the Hillenbrand Aquatic Center.

At least 200 UA fans watched the acrobatic diving programs displayed by members of the UA team.

Fans then had the opportunity to meet the team during an autograph session. Some of the younger fans got to swim with members of the UA team.

Head coach Frank Busch said he was thrilled with the turnout for the exhibition and said he thought it was a great way to show off the team to the community.

"It's important for the team to get this kind of exposure," Busch said. "It's great for the community to see what we've accomplished and the tradition we have."

Busch continued to say how special it was for the members of the team to see the support shown by the fans on Saturday.

"Any time you have a connection with the community, it's an uplifting feeling for everyone involved," he said.

Members of the team said they enjoyed the show just as much.

"It's amazing," sophomore diver Josh Anderson said. "We get more in touch with the people in the community who watch us, and it lets them get a little closer to us."

Anderson also said that the exhibition brought the UA team closer together.

"We had to practice an ungodly amount of hours to (prepare for the synchronized routines), so it gets our team tighter, and gets us tighter with the community," he said. "It helps a lot."

Backstroker Beth Botsford, an Olympic gold medallist and eight-time All-American and former National Champion, said she was pleasantly surprised by the number of fans in attendance.

"I didn't even realize that this many people were (going to attend)," Botsford said. "It's so good to have this support."

Botsford said it was an incredible feeling to teach young kids to swim after the show.

"We come here every day because we love to swim, but sometimes you lose sight of the amazing ability of the people you're with," she said. "Then you teach little kids who are so in awe (of the team). It's great to see how much people appreciate the hard work we do."

Dallas Pruitt, a UA alumnus, said he left the show entertained.

"It was interesting to see Olympic (caliber), and All-American, athletes on the team," Pruitt said. "I didn't know that (Arizona had such a good team). They showed excellent skill and coordination. It was fun to watch."

The Wildcat regular season begins Nov. 2 when Arizona hosts Wisconsin and Arizona State in the first meet of the year.