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UA swimming teams face their toughest challenge of the year

The UA men's and women's swimming teams face a Texas-sized challenge this weekend as they take part in the University of Texas Invitational.

The invitational pits some of the best swimming teams in the country against each other in hopes of qualifying as many possible for the NCAA national championships in March.

Since the meet will not calculate team points, only track individual numbers, the Wildcats are just focused on qualifying.

To qualify for the NCAA national championships, swimmers must meet certain time criteria on events.

"Our main goal is just to get as many people to the national championships as possible," senior Trina Jackson said.

The women's swimming team (5-0 overall, 2-0 Pacific 10 Conference) head into the meet ranked No. 2 in the nation. The competition is daunting though, as the UA will face No. 8 Michigan, No. 9 Southern Methodist, No. 12 Texas, No. 13 Wisconsin, No. 14 UCLA, No. 15 Minnesota and No. 20 Arizona State.

"We're definitely going to rip it up in Texas," freshman Amanda Beard said. "I think that just everyone is getting all pumped up."

Jackson said the team is looking forward to seeing where they stand amongst the nation's best, but expects a laid back meet.

"I guess it is just really kind of low key, on the fact that there are no points," Jackson said. "We just want to see where we are and how are training is going."

The women will be lead by the freshman duo of Beth Botsford and Beard, in addition seniors Denali Knapp and Jackson.

The men's team, like the women's team are focusing on getting as many swimmers qualified to compete in the national championships.

"Texas (Invitational), we're just trying to get qualified, it's probably our most important meet of the year because it qualifies us," junior Ben Anderson said. "We need to get as many people qualified as possible to have a strong team in the NCAAs."

The men (3-0 overall, 1-0 Pac-10) will be lead by reigning NCAA Division I swimmer of the year, Ryk Neethling and freshman Roland Schoeman.

The men, who are ranked No. 4 in the country, will be challenged by No. 1 Texas, No. 5 California, No. 10 Minnesota, No. 13 Arizona State and No. 18 Southern Methodist.

"It (Texas Invitational) pretty much sets the tone for the year," Anderson said.