Swimmers get wet with Olympians

"The girls did a great job this weekend, even against USC," said coach Frank Busch after Saturday's wins. "Both teams are doing well at the moment."

The presence of Olympic champions wasn't enough to push either Arizona team past USC on Friday, as the defending national champion women beat the Wildcats 134-104 and UA men lost 145-88.

Olympic medalists Amy Van Dyken, a former Wildcat, and Gary Hall Jr., among others members of the U.S. National Team, were on hand to compete in the Arizona sun.

The women's competition against USC was close from start to finish, but USC's 31-7 edge in diving put the Trojans over the top.

Wildcat sophomore Trina Jackson swam "B" standard times in the 200 meter freestyle (2:03.23) and the 200m butterfly (2:15.77), winning her heats on Friday.

If Jackson equals or betters her "B" standard times once more this season, she will qualify for the NCAA Championships in March. On the men's side, Ryk Neethling won the 1,500m free by almost 30 seconds over his nearest competitor.

Jackson had another big day on Saturday, recording victories in the 1000m free (9:52.35), 200m fly (2:01.68) and 400m individual medley (4:21.26). UA senior Shannon Hosack just missed swimming a "B" time for the second consecutive day. Friday, she fell short in the 100m free, and on Saturday it was the 50m free. Another senior, Liesl Kolbisen, swam a "B" time in the 100 free (51.03). The men did not compete on Saturday.

Arizona and USC enjoyed the addition of the U.S. National Team members, who are preparing for the U.S. Open next month in Indianapolis and the World Championships held in Perth, Australia in January.

"It adds a new element," sophomore Denali Knapp said.

It wasn't a new experience for many of the Wildcats, who have already gone head-to-head with the superstars of American swimming, but nonetheless, it was good competition.

"It was fun for them," Busch said.

It was also fun for the members of the National Team, who were on campus to prepare for their upcoming meets and, of course, get out and enjoy the sun.

"It's great to get some sunshine," team member B.J. Bedford said. "We train indoors all the time, so it's nice to get out and compete outside."

"It's different then our other meets," National Team coach Jonty Skinner said. "We are very appreciative of the coaches to let us come and be here today. We have some important meets ahead, and it's good to get our feet wet."