EDWARD LIN/Daily Bruin Senior Staff Sophomore
Cathy Coler swims the 200-meter butterfly against
Illinois earlier this season.
By Oshin Aivazian
Daily Bruin Contributor
The UCLA swimming and diving teams are in competition this
weekend, hoping to secure their path to the NCAA Tournament.
The Bruin Invitational, a diving meet held at the Rose Bowl
Aquatic Center today and Saturday, is not only important because
it’s at home, but because the Bruins see a victory as a
contribution to their goal of winning the NCAA Tournament in
March.
“Every opponent is important, but in no way does it take
precedence over our goal to become champions,” diving head
coach Tom Stebbins said.
The success of the diving team so far can be attributed to the
expertise of the senior divers, who have become advisers to their
freshman teammates.
“The seniors are our beacons, they’re more focused,
experienced, and comfortable than anyone else,” Stebbins
added.
The chemistry of the swimming team is equally great as they
prepare for the second half of the season with the Washington State
and Pacific meet on Saturday at the Sunset Canyon Recreation
Center.
The Bruins have never played against Pacific, but are aware of
their near top 25 ranking from a year ago.
The Cougars, on the other hand, have been the victim of many
Bruin records in past competition, as well as victories.
The Bruins were a perfect 3-0 against the Cougars last season en
route to their Pac-10 title.
“Both teams are stronger this year and have greater depth.
They look forward to racing UCLA,” swimming head coach Cyndi
Gallagher said.
With the chance to go 9-2 on the season while preparing for the
tough schedule ahead for the Bruins, the practices for the swimmers
have not changed in intensity. The swimming team practices at full
caliber day in and day out, with hours of mental and physical
drills.
“We had intense practices during Christmas break and the
rest of the season; we’re definitely ready to win,”
said Erica Shugart, a junior freestyle swimmer.